MANUEL MENDIVE
Manuel Mendive is an eminent Afro-Cuban painter, sculptor and performance artist. His colorful, evocative works pay tribute to the historic and religious art forms of Africa and Cuba, recognizing that African religion and culture have helped to shape Cuban identity and culture.
Artist Statement
"I was born on a Friday, December 15, 1944. I don't know what time. I lived in a marginal neighborhood called Luyanó, in Havana. My family knew the ancient Yoruba religion well.
I studied painting and sculpture at the San Alejandro School of Fine Arts in Havana.
The elements of Afro-Cuban culture are what drives me and gives encouragement to my voice: death; life and everything that is in them; the good, bad and most beautiful moments; to know everything that is in us. I live with my ancestors and with my gods. Long live the world. Ashé "
