Untitled 1973, Wifredo Lam (1973). Image courtesy of Latin Art Core, Fine Art Gallery. Oil on canvas, 28 x 39 in. ©
WEAM is thrilled to announce its first-ever exhibition dedicated to Cuban art: Forbidden Fruit, a landmark showcase and the largest known exhibition of Cuban erotic art ever held, both on and off the island. Featuring over 100 works by more than 50 artists, the exhibition spans nearly a century of Cuban art across painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. From the trailblazing Cuban Vanguardia generation, credited with shaping modern Cuban art, to contemporary creators, Forbidden Fruit bridges generations while juxtaposing modern perspectives with the bold works of previous decades.
Exploring Sexuality Through Art
Forbidden Fruit boldly explores the full spectrum of sexuality, moving seamlessly from the abstract, symbolic, and lyrical to the visceral and explicit. Curated with a genre-defying approach, the exhibition examines themes such as spirituality, mythology, nature, and the darker corners of the human psyche. The result is a taboo-breaking and thought-provoking journey through the richness of Cuban art.
A Historic Tribute
This exhibition is particularly poignant, as it marks the final project actively influenced by two pillars of Miami’s art scene, Baruj Salinas and Margarita Cano, who both passed away in 2024. It also highlights works by Cuban artists from around the world, including Greater Miami, Tampa Bay, New York, Boston, Chicago, Europe, and Cuba itself. By blending Cuban art with influences from American, African, European, and Asian traditions, Forbidden Fruit captures the global impact of Cuban creativity.
Curator Antonio Permuy notes, “This exhibition does not aim to exhaustively cover the vast landscape of Cuban art. Instead, it prioritizes impact, focusing on unique works and carefully arranged displays.” The show also spotlights rarely-seen pieces from well-known artists, offering fresh perspectives and enriching their artistic legacies.
Notable Artists and Works
Featured artists include legendary Vanguardia figures such as Carlos Enríquez and Amelia Peláez, the sole woman in the pioneering Vanguard movement. The exhibition also showcases works by Víctor Manuel, Wifredo Lam, Mario Carreño, and René Portocarrero, alongside emerging Cuban talent from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Opening Reception
Visit weam.com to secure your tickets for the opening reception. The evening will also feature a special guest exhibition from the Kinsey Institute: Mariette Pathy Allen: Breaking Boundaries. This powerful showcase highlights the love, intimacy, and resilience of transgender and gender-expansive communities worldwide, offering an evocative exploration of the evolving perceptions of gender identity.
Dive into this dual celebration of artistic expression and cultural evolution, where boundaries are redefined, and voices resonate.
Exhibition: Forbidden Fruit: The Art of Cuban Sexuality
Curated by: Antonio Permuy, joined by assistant curator Karina Sirven
Location: WEAM, 1205 Washington Avenue, Miami, FL
Dates: December 2, 2024 – July 2025
Opening: December 2nd, 6-7pm Press & VIP preview, 7-10pm public opening
