Arides Azul (Blue Wounds) by Hector Quevedo.

Hector Fernandez Quevedo is not exactly a household name in the world of art. But a program to take place on April 22 will introduce students to this artist and his work as well as help to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by artists living under Cuba's repressive regime. The event is being sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs, which provides a wide range of programs designed to enhance the quality of student life at Juilliard, including workshops and other activities of social, educational, and cultural interest.

"90 Miles From Acceptance: The Journey of a Cuban Artist" will give students the opportunity to learn about the life of Quevedo, a 30-year-old Cuban artist now living in the United States. The program will provide a forum for discussing what qualifies as art. A highlight of the workshop will be a hands-on chance for participants to create their own works of art. Hector will demonstrate how to create art using only the most basic tools and materials of the sort that were available to him in Havana.

Hector Quevedo

Hector Fernandez Quevedo was born in Havana on February 14, 1972. Professionally trained as an engraver, he has worked as a printmaker, sculptor, and artisan. Largely self-taught as a painter, Hector's passion led him to work with the renowned Cuban artisan, Alfredo Arabia. Throughout his life, Hector has been creating paintings that have reflected his internal world, influenced by his life as an "unofficial" Cuban artist (a status that was the product of his country's Communist regime). Cuba only recognizes artists who register with the government and have a license; such artists have either gone to a university or earned an "official degree." They are the only ones allowed to exhibit and sell their work in galleries, and the only ones who have access to quality art supplies such as canvas and expensive acrylics and oils.

Untitled painting by Hector Quevedo.

Working for the government in tourism (as did most Cuban "official artists") was not an appealing option for Hector. He describes the pictures of Cuba's cathedrals, antique cars, and landscapes that they painted for tourists as looking "like postcards." He did not want to sell out or work for the government in this capacity. "You couldn't even sign your art… I perhaps closed myself off to this way of life, and therefore found my own way of empowering myself."

He fell into a state of depression while searching for an "out," a form of expression for his internal world. He would look for art supplies on the black market, or work (as most artists did) with the kind of supplies that are found in children's classrooms.

Untitled painting by Hector Quevedo.

In an attempt to find work and recognition under these circumstances, he became a member of the Horizontal Project, an organization founded in response to the difficulties faced by many Cuban artists to promote their work. "I would sell my paintings in my home. Cubans who worked with tourists would talk about my art and bring them to my home. That is how I did it." Many of his paintings are now in private collections and can be found in Spain, Germany, Canada, and here in the United States. "I feel good that these people have my work. I was able to make some money, but even more important, they have found esthetic value in my work and are able to appreciate it. … It is a process to let go of your work."

Hector recently immigrated to the United States and currently lives with his wife in South River, N.J. "I feel like I've gone through a rebirth here in the United States. This is a world of possibilities. I have so many ideas … of things that I want to create. I feel injected with the idea of being so liberated and free… I can truly create freely now." Even so, Hector does not speak negatively about Cuba; he tries to recall the good things he left behind and remember them with a smile. "There are so many people with talent in Cuba, all in the same situation that I was in. Some people who don't have an opportunity to show their work are selling it in the streets, to make some money to eat and support their families. It's a shame, that so many young people are limited because they don't have that piece of paper from an art school or a university."

Hector is very excited at the prospect of sharing his work with members of the Juilliard community. "90 Miles from Acceptance: The Journey of a Cuban Artist" will be held on April 22 at 7 p.m. in the 11th-floor lounge of the Meredith Willson Residence Hall. We look forward to seeing you. 

Jhon Velasco is assistant director of student affairs.