Untitled c. 1942 - 1943

Wifredo Lam made this untitled artwork using ink and watercolor on paper. Lam, of Afro-Cuban heritage, grew up in a society shaped by the legacies of colonialism, slavery, and Santería traditions. His personal experiences of cultural hybridity and displacement profoundly influenced his artistic vision. In this drawing, Lam merges human, animal, and plant forms to create hybrid figures. This approach reflects the syncretic religious practices of the Caribbean, where deities are often associated with natural elements and the spirit world. Lam once said that "Painting is an act of love. When I paint, I try to express what I have inside me.” The raw, gestural quality of his marks evokes the visceral energy of ritual practices. Lam challenges conventional representations of identity by embracing the complexity and fluidity of Caribbean culture. He offers alternative narratives that celebrate the resilience and creativity of marginalized communities.