The Cuban plastic artist Yulier Rodríguez, currently exiled in Madrid, has shared his reflections on the difficulties he faced in Cuba to be able to develop his artistic work and maintain his economic independence. In his recent statements, Rodríguez explained that, due to the restrictions of the Cuban regime, he could not expose or market his work freely. Despite his attempts to create a private space for the exhibition and sale of his art, he was constantly intimidated and expelled by the authorities, who aimed to insulate it economically as a way to wear it.
The artist also addressed the growing violence and insecurity in Cuba, which has turned life into the island into an increasingly difficult experience. According to Rodríguez, the influence of the Cuban government, described as a mafia and tyrannical regime, is reflected in society, which has become increasingly unconscious, violent and selfless. For him, living in an environment where lies and falsehood are the norm was unsustainable, especially seeing how this affected the education and raising of his son, whom he did not want to expose to that aggressive and deforming panorama.
In addition, he reflected on the behavior that the regime encourages in Cuban society, where lies and manipulation prevail. The artist compared the transformation of Cuban society with the behavior of the regime itself, which is presented as a democratic system that actually uses the people as a shield. This type of culture, based on fallacy, has deformed the values and principles in many citizens, creating an environment where it is difficult to find authenticity.
Another issue that Rodriguez addressed was the difficult situation that many Cubans face that try to leave the country, especially those who fight to obtain the necessary roles to emigrate. The lack of documents that allow them to access decent employment or improve their economic situation is one of the main barriers they find, which increases frustration and hopelessness among those who seek a better future. Rodríguez said that he has begun to reflect on these experiences, both his and others, and how exile and the difficulties involved affect all those who live under a repressive system.
Despite the challenges he faces, he remains committed to his artistic work. Currently, you are preparing a series of drawings and cakes on cardboard, a temporary change in your approach due to space limitations in your current life situation. However, he also plans to return to work in larger formats such as canvases and cards, since expressionism, according to him, is better expressed in broad spaces that allow greater freedom to capture its energy and vision. Rodriguez’s work continues to reflect not only its artistic evolution, but also its resistance to the adversities of the Cuban political system.
