untitled, Alain Bosquet; Wifredo Lam

Wilfredo Lam was born to parents of Chinese, European, Indian, and African descent and grew up in a Cuban environment and culture. Lam was very close to his roots in both Africa and Cuba, centering much of his artwork on his cultural inheritance. Lam asserted that his art was anti-colonial, and he was against oppressive influences in Cuban culture. He fought these influences in his artistic practice by returning to his roots and creating pieces that reflect a synthesis of cultural backgrounds. Discussing his art, Lam stated “The figures in my canvases are neither black, nor white; they lack a clearly identified race.” Referring to one of his works, Lam further noted, “I employed Cézanne’s pictorial conquests in this painting, a painting also tied to Africa in terms of its poetry, as well as to Western culture and to Cuba. The painting is a synthesis, because I have worked in both directions.” These quotations can only give us a small idea of the various cultures and themes that Lam used to create his works, representing not only his diverse backgrounds but his attitude toward colonial dominance as well. Written by Marina and Matt