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“Aganist wind y tide”, by Martha Jimenez, on Avenida del Puerto

As part of the activities of the 13th Havana Biennial, the official inauguration of the monumental sculpture Against Wind and Tide, by the Camagueyan artist Martha Jimenez, a great tricycle that symbolizes the journey, was held on the morning of this Monday, May 6 for life and occupies a space near the old Church of Paula.

"It is a pride for us to see Martha's work finished, imagined, dreamed and that walking around the house is a philosophical, artistic reflection that leaves us as a legacy," said Leal Spengler, who said the piece establishes a beautiful comparison with the Church of Paula, musical center of excellence, "on the footprint of what intellectuals and previous artists performed there".

In an environment defended by great intellectuals for their great heritage values ?-among them Doctor Emilio Roig de Leuchsenring-, Martha Jimenez comes with this gadget that allows us, like her, to go through time, said Leal. “Go on this immense cycle, carrying our own house, which is to carry our dreams, our faith, our aspirations; everything good and noble, fighting against the difficulties imposed by the wind, walking, going forward which is, in short, the greatest challenge”, he added.

Surrounded by artists and friends such as Eduardo Roca Salazar (Choco) and Flora Fong, among others, Jimenez dedicated the work especially to the Historian of the City and gave it permanently to Havana for its half-millennium. "It is a gift from all Camagueyans to Cuba and the capital, and will remain here, symbolizing women and life in general" she said.

The creative thanked the team of Bauta who worked intensely in the conformation of the work, which represents a load of love, of light, of struggle and, fundamentally, the work of the woman that in many occasions is opaque, but that always guides, in the words of Jimenez.

“I have used the tricycle in other sculptures. In another country I made a similar piece. Here in Cuba I had never done it. In a way, Eusebio Leal challenged me to erect it here in this environment, and I told him that of course, that everything was possible with determination, and here is the large format piece, 7.5 meters high and made of steel, all sheet material”, said Martha Jimenez.

Now, a new sculpture, major and superior -as Doctor Leal Spengler described it- of a great potter and artist in general, adorns Havana when there is very little left to reach the 500th anniversary of its foundation. A contribution to a city that continues to make everyone fall in love, despite its centuries of existence.

 

 

Authors: Ismael Francisco, Yoel Lugones Vazquez
Source: http://www.cubadebate.cu