EXILE: 50 years of Cuban-American Art from the Permanent Collection

The exodus from Cuba started in 1959 and early '60s until the Mariel Boatlift of 1980 as a real exile -- for political reasons -- of a people very rapidly losing their individual liberties and human rights. Together with this loss of liberty came a carefully planned creation of economic scarcity for all, except those closely identified with the Government or the Cuban Communist party. 

The early exiles were largely middle and upper-middle class, so they were not as motivated by improved economic prospects to be found in the United States as were those exiles who came at a later date. Indeed, the later generation of artists who came to Miami in the 1990's were very much looking for more opportunities, while looking for personal and artistic creativity as well.

The exodus continues to today. Those who came after the early 2000's are mostly immigrants and not exiles, except the very few ex-political prisoners and dissidents forced to leave the Island. Exiles have embraced the United States with the passion of a people without a land. They are involved in every facet of life in the United States. Their children, born here, are true Americans simply proud of their parents and grandparents, who have been immensely successful.

The 14 works by 11 artists in this exhibition, now Americans, exhibit a broad tapestry of talents and styles and preoccupations in all the works presented in this exhibition.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website

Image: Installation view, Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland FL