Giant Bird Unveiled in Cuba

Photos by Elio Delgado

HAVANA TIMES, March 31 – One of Havana’s many large square block parks with big trees, a center roundabout and lots of places to relax or play now has a seven-meter cast bronze bird as a tribute to Cuba’s most famous 20th Century painter Wifredo Lam (1902-1982).

Alberto Lezcay with his monument to Wifredo Lam unveiled during the 10th Havana Biennial
Alberto Lezcay with his monument to Wifredo Lam unveiled during the 10th Havana Biennial

The work by Santiago de Cuba sculptor Alberto Lezcay, with the assistance of dozens of other Cuban artists, is titled Vuelo Lam (Flight Lam) and will be on permanent display.

Flight Lam, a sculpture by Alberto Lezcay with help from dozens of other Cuban artists.
Flight Lam, a sculpture by Alberto Lezcay with help from dozens of other Cuban artists.

The park at 14th and 15th streets in the Vedado district already has a collection of large sculptures to accompany the tribute to the painter. The unveiling ceremony was part of the five-week Havana Biennial that began on March 27 and extends to April 30 with venues throughout the Cuban capital.

Cultural presentation at the unveiling of the Alberto Lezcay sculpture honoring the late Cuban painter Wifredo Lam.
Cultural presentation at the unveiling of the Alberto Lezcay sculpture honoring the late Cuban painter Wifredo Lam.

Cuba’s Minister of Culture Abel Prieto was on hand for the unveiling ceremony.

Alberto Lezcay left with Abel Prieto, minister of Culture
Alberto Lezcay left with Abel Prieto, minister of Culture

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