Landscape of Havana 1969

Curator: Ah, "Landscape of Havana," painted in 1969 by René Portocarrero. Look at that explosion of color! Editor: My first thought? A playful chaos. Like Havana is shimmering, a feast for the eyes. The colors feel almost musical, as if I'm hearing the city rather than seeing it. Curator: Precisely! Portocarrero was a master of capturing the soul of a place. His earlier work dove deep into Afro-Cuban themes, and here, the architecture almost seems to dance with a distinctly Caribbean rhythm. There’s also a nod to Cubism evident here. The fragmented forms and perspectives give you that lively, multi-faceted feel of the city. Editor: You know, it’s funny, I see the "cubism" you mention, but I'm also reminded a bit of, dare I say it, Abstract Expressionism? It feels very immediate. Each stroke of oil-paint is confident, full of emotion...he doesn't just depict Havana; he embodies it. It's like looking through his memories, layered one on top of another. Curator: That's a brilliant way to put it! The act of remembering… but, for many outside of Cuba at this time, remembering wasn't really an option, not after the revolution in 1959, so that confidence comes from this almost desperate attempt at documentation. He shows its vibrant streetscapes at a time when seeing images from Havana was rare in much of the world. What appears chaotic might also speak of those socio-political conflicts and, well, tensions! Editor: Tensions indeed! Looking at the bold blues, oranges, reds – you can feel that fiery energy, but a wistfulness, too. It's almost a yearning for what Havana was, what it is, what it might become… It feels so personal, not simply a historical document. I feel I understand this town so well now... I miss this city! Curator: I concur; a deeply heartfelt portrayal—complex, vibrant, and ultimately unforgettable. Portocarrero’s Havana certainly stays with you, doesn’t it? Editor: Absolutely. A joyous riot of colour and form, yet it makes me ponder the soul of this Cuban landscape.