Wilfredo Lam

Wifredo Lam, born in Sagua La Grande, Cuba in 1902, was a prominent Cuban painter known for his fusion of modernist aesthetics with Afro-Cuban symbolism. He studied at the Escuela de Bellas Artes in Havana and later moved to Spain, where he was influenced by Surrealism and Cubism, particularly through his associations with Pablo Picasso and André Breton. Lam's early career in Europe was marked by his involvement with the avant-garde movements of the time, but it was upon his return to Cuba in 1941 that his work truly began to reflect his cultural heritage. His paintings often depict hybrid figures combining human, animal and vegetal forms, drawing from Afro-Cuban religion and mythology. Notable works include "The Jungle" and "Mother and Child." Lam's art is characterized by its vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and complex symbolism. His work is held in major collections such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Lam passed away in Paris in 1982, leaving a significant legacy as one of the foremost Latin American artists of the 20th century, celebrated for his unique contribution to modern art. Read more about Arts.