WRITERS AND ARTISTS
1.Alejo Carpentier (1904–80)
Carpentier is known for his cultural journalism focused on Afro-Cuban traditions. He was sent into exile for opposing General Machado. After the Revolution (for further details see 1959: Revolution Triumphs), he headed Cuba’s state publishing house.
Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier
2.Amelia Peláez (1896–1968)
Influenced by Matisse and Picasso, this ceramicist and painter is best known for her vast mural of blue, black, and white glass tiles adorning Hotel Habana Libre.
3.José Martí (1853–95)
Perhaps the leading Latin American essayist, poet, and journalist of the 19th century, Martí led the Independence movement (for further details see 1895: War of Independence). He wrote profusely for the cause of social justice, pan-Americanism, and liberty.
The Jose Martí Monument in Parque Central Havana
4.Wifredo Lam (1902–82)
Born in Sagua la Grande, Lam befriended many leading European painters while living in Paris. His works reflect Afro-Cuban culture.
5.Dulce María Loynaz (1902–97)
The doyenne of Cuban poetry, Loynaz went into relative seclusion following the Revolution, after her husband fled Cuba. Her works were rediscovered in the 1980s, when she re-engaged with literary circles. An erotic intensity infuses many of her works.
6.Nicolás Guillén (1902–89)
Considered the poet laureate of Cuba, Guillén’s African heritage is reflected in his distinctive poesía negra (black poetry). He joined the Communist Party at an early age and became president of the National Union of Writers and Artists.
7.René Portocarrero (1912–85)
One of Cuba’s masters, Portocarrero is well represented in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, his murals are also in the Teatro Nacional and Hotel Habana Libre. His work is infused with religious icons.
Diablito (1966), by internationally renowned artist René Portocarrero
8.Guillermo Cabrera Infante (1929–2005)
This critic, journalist, and novelist is best known for Tres Tristes Tigres, his seminal novel about the sordid era of pre-revolutionary Havana. Post-Revolution, he edited a key literary magazine before being exiled for criticizing Castro’s government.
9.José Lezama Lima (1910–76)
A gay libertine known as much for his flamboyant lifestyle as for his Baroque writing, Lima was persecuted following the Revolution. Today he ranks among the Cuban literary elite. His most famous work is the semi-biographical Paradiso.
10.Manuel Mendive (b.1944)
Mendive is considered to be Cuba’s most visionary and influential living artist. His works are both naive and highly erotic. A practising santero, Mendive is represented in museums around the world.
TOP 10 OTHER FAMOUS CUBANS
1.Carlos Finlay (1833–1915)
The doctor who discovered that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes.
2.Gerardo Machado (1871–1939)
Corrupt and ruthless military leader who seized power in 1925 and fled in 1933 (for further details see Gerardo Machado (1871–1939)).
3.Fulgencio Batista (1901–73)
A sergeant who carried out a military coup and ran Cuba as a brutally repressive dictator (for further details see Fulgencio Batista (1901–73)).
4.José Raúl Capablanca (1888–1942)
The “Mozart of chess,” as he was known, held the World Chess Championship title from 1921 to 1927.
5.Alberto Díaz Gutiérrez (1928–2001)
This photographer, better known as Alberto Korda, shot the iconic image of Che Guevara.
6.Tomás Gutiérrez Alea (1928–96)
A brilliant film-maker, “Titón” was at the forefront of New Latin American cinema in the 1960s and 70s.
7.Eligio Sardiñas (1910–88)
Christened “Kid Chocolate” by his fans, this boxing prodigy was also a wild party man.
8.Alicia Alonso (b.1920)
Cuba’s prima ballerina assoluta who founded the National Ballet of Cuba.
Alicia Alonso and Igor Youskevitch
9.Teófilo Stevenson (1952–2012)
Considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, this Olympic gold medal winner refused to turn professional.
10.Ana Fidelia Quirot (b.1963)
A track and field athlete who survived severe burns to win a silver medal at the 1996 Olympics.
