‘Vistazos’ Brings Contemporary Cuban Art to Petersburg

Petersburg Area Art League will introduce visitors to the work of the New Cuban Art Collective with Vistazos, an exhibition opening Friday, Nov. 13. The opening reception runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, 7 E. Old Street in Petersburg.

The exhibition brings together contemporary Cuban artistic perspectives through works exploring identity, culture, symbolism and imagination. Featured artists include Erikc Guerra, who is based in Trinidad, Cuba. The title, Vistazos, translates to “glimpses” or “glances,” reflecting the individual perspectives visitors will encounter throughout the exhibition.

One focus is Afro-Cuban surrealism, where African cultural influences meet imaginative imagery and contemporary expression. PAAL’s announcement places the exhibition within a broader artistic tradition that includes Wifredo Lam, whose work helped bring Afro-Cuban influences into international conversations about modern art.

For PAAL, the exhibition also serves a practical purpose. The organization says artists working in Cuba can face significant challenges reaching international audiences and art markets. By exhibiting their work in Petersburg, PAAL aims to expand their visibility and create opportunities for collectors to support their creative practices.

That connection between cultural exchange and economic opportunity gives Vistazos a purpose beyond introducing new work to the gallery. It offers visitors a chance to consider the artists’ perspectives while learning about the importance of access to audiences beyond their home communities.

The opening reception provides an opportunity to explore the exhibition and the range of approaches represented by the collective. For more information, visit paalart.org.