Wifredo Lam Cuban, 1902-1982

Rumblings of the Earth" by Wifredo Lam is an evocative painting that reflects the artist's synthesis of European artistic influences and the indigenous traditions of Cuba. The piece, a hallmark of Lam's 1940s work, showcases his unique style of merging ve
Wifredo Lam, Zambezia, Zambezia, 1950, Oil on canvas, 49 3/8 x 43 5/8 inches (125.4 x 110.8 cm), Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York Gift, Mr. Joseph Cantor, 1974
Wifredo Lam (1902-1982) was a Cuban artist whose mixed heritage profoundly influenced his work, which aimed to revive Afro-Cuban culture. Educated in Havana and Madrid, Lam's style evolved significantly after moving to Paris and mingling with Surrealist artists, including Pablo Picasso. His art blended elements of surrealism, cubism, and Afro-Cuban mythology, with his masterpiece "The Jungle" highlighting his distinctive fusion of human, animal, and natural forms. Returning to Cuba during World War II, Lam's art took on deeper social and political dimensions, addressing themes of identity and oppression. His legacy endures as a pivotal figure connecting Western art with African and Caribbean cultural expressions.