HAVANA TIMES – On October 17, a solo exhibition by visual artist Amaury Mengana Abreu, with the suggestive title “Believing Is Achieving,” opened at the Mariano Rodríguez Gallery in the Villa Panamericana neighborhood of Cojímar, Havana.
His paintings on canvas and cardboard are created using mixed media and acrylic paint, while his installations incorporate natural materials such as earth, seashells, wood, burlap sacks, bones, and ceramics. These materials are widely used in religious ceremonies, just as his African ancestors used them. The artist is a believer in these religious traditions, and his works are inspired by Palo Monte (Regla Conga) and Yoruba (Regla Ocha).
This is Amaury Mengana Abreu’s fifth solo exhibition. He has previously participated in more than ten group exhibitions. The show is dedicated to the celebration of Cuban Culture Day.
Upon entering the exhibition hall and viewing his works, visitors can sense a powerful energy and a message the artist wishes to convey to younger generations: to respect these religious traditions, inherited from Africans who were forcibly brought to this country, and to leave a mark of hope on the Cuban people through his exhibition’s title, “Believing Is Achieving.” He asks those who currently practice these religions to be respectful and to study them so they can use their knowledge to do good.
I invite you to visit this exhibition, which will remain on display until November 5 at the Mariano Rodríguez Gallery, located at the end of the promenade in Villa Panamericana, Cojímar.