Seven Cuban Artists to Follow on Instagram Now

Have you ever wondered what makes Cuban art so captivating? From the busy streets of Havana to the serene landscapes of the countryside, Cuban artists are showcasing a rich tapestry of creativity. From eye-catching street graffiti and murals to thought-provoking paintings that speak volumes, their artwork is not just visually stunning but also deeply inspiring.

We've scoured the art scene and handpicked a selection of some of the island’s most talented artists just for you. Transform your Instagram feed into an oasis of artistic brilliance and cultural immersion with these incredible Cuban artists.

First up is Fichu, an incredible young street artist who's practically turned the streets of Havana into his own personal gallery. His specialty? Stunning graffiti pieces of mulatas – you'll see his captivating work on walls and houses across many neighborhoods and even in iconic spots like La Fábrica de Arte Cubano. He's truly a shining star in Havana's community of visual artists.

Fichu's art is deeply rooted in celebrating Cuban women, their culture, and essence. His use of bright colors and bold, large lips brings these portraits to life, echoing his own experiences growing up surrounded by strong women. It's his unique way of paying homage to the women who played a pivotal role in his upbringing. Curious to see his work? Head over to his Instagram.

 

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Et opslag delt af Fichu Art | El Que Pinta Las Mulatas (@fichustreetart)

 

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Et opslag delt af Fichu Art | El Que Pinta Las Mulatas (@fichustreetart)

Another of Cuba's emerging street artists is Gabriela Padrón, also known as Azul. This young Cuban visual artist is making waves across Havana, especially in the Vedado neighborhood, her home turf. What's her claim to fame? She's using her murals and graffiti to push for feminism and women's rights in Cuba – and she's making quite the statement.

Azul's work is more than just art; it's part of the conversation at big-time events like the Gibara Film Festival in Holguín and all over Havana. Her choice of soft pastel tones – think dreamy pinks and blues – and her knack for striking color schemes make her murals pop. But it's not just about looking pretty; every piece she creates carries a progressive message. She's not just an artist; she's a storyteller advocating for social change through her art. No wonder she's been spotlighted as one of the top illustrators at the Havana Biennial.

 

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Et opslag delt af Azula (@azul.azula_)

 

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Et opslag delt af Azula (@azul.azula_)

With a career spanning over 30 years, Tomás Sánchez isn't only considered a master in the Cuban art world, he's a remarkable artist with a flair for creating stunning tropical landscapes. Picture this: serene scenes filled with lush greens and tranquil blues – that's what defines Tomás's work, drawing viewers into a peaceful, reflective space.

His paintings do more than just decorate a space; they're a source of inspiration for a whole generation of Cuban artists, especially those active on Instagram. Tomás has earned a reputation as a pioneering force in the visual arts. One of his standout pieces, “Llegada del caminante a la laguna” meaning “Arrival of the Walker to the Lagoon,” is a testament to his talent, valued at an impressive 1.8 million dollars!

 

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Et opslag delt af Tomas Sanchez (@tomassanchezstudio)

 

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Et opslag delt af Tomas Sanchez (@tomassanchezstudio)

A Cuban Architecture student with a unique artistic side gig, Alex Martínez is known as @fuck_yellow on Instagram. He specializes in crafting custom portrait illustrations, but with a twist – his silhouettes have this distinctive style, featuring elongated necks and limbs that instantly catch your eye.

Alex's work is infused with a touch of Cuban culture, thanks to his use of floral and tropical plant motifs, making his illustrations stand out in a sea of digital art. His creative flair hasn't gone unnoticed – he's graced the cover of the Cuban online magazine La Jeringa and even played a pivotal role as the main editor for the Art Exchange Festival 2023. Fancy a personalized piece? Head over to his Instagram, where you can request your very own cachetudo portrait – it's a unique way to see yourself through the eyes of an emerging Cuban artist.

 

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Et opslag delt af alex martínez (@fuck__yellow)

 

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Et opslag delt af alex martínez (@fuck__yellow)

In the Cuban art scene, Eduardo Abela Torrás is a name synonymous with versatility and authenticity. A graduate of the prestigious San Alejandro School of Arts in Havana, his work spans across drawing, painting, sculpture, and poster making, each marked by an unusual flair. He has become a source of inspiration for aspiring artists, particularly for his collages and paintings that vividly depict historical Cuban figures and elements like the Royal Palm and bohíos.

Internationally acclaimed for his distinctive use of acrylics on canvas and wood, Abela Torrás has showcased his talent in various global exhibitions and has been honored with the Special Prize at the second Havana Biennial. His artistic lineage is equally notable - he's the grandson of Eduardo Abela, the famed Cuban cartoonist known for creating the character “El Bobo,” a symbol of cultural resistance in the 1920s fight against dictator Gerardo Machado.

 

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Et opslag delt af Eduardo Abela Torras (@abelatorras)

 

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Et opslag delt af Eduardo Abela Torras (@abelatorras)

The youngest talent featured on our list of Cuban artists, Alejandro Cañer is making waves as a self-taught illustrator who's revitalizing the visual arts scene on the island. He's bringing back the classic art of poster-making, a communication method that was a staple in Cuban culture from the 1920s to the mid-1980s.

What sets Alejandro apart is his innovative approach to colors and textures, carving out a unique niche for himself. His artistic journey has led him to contribute to significant Cuban theatrical productions, like "La Zapatera Prodigiosa" directed by the renowned Carlos Díaz. Furthermore, his posters have been showcased in numerous exhibitions, notably at the prestigious Ludwig Foundation in Cuba, marking him as an emerging artist to watch in the Cuban art scene.

 

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Et opslag delt af Alejandro Cañer (@alejo_cane)

 

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Et opslag delt af Alejandro Cañer (@alejo_cane)

Sandra Ceballos is not only a celebrated Cuban visual artist but also among the country's top art curators. At 62, with a career spanning over four decades, she actively shares her artwork on Instagram, showcasing the vibrancy of Cuban art. Her creations have graced the halls of the National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba in Havana, a testament to their cultural significance.

With a global reputation bolstered by exhibitions in Canada, Spain, and Mexico, Sandra's accolades include the "Art of Cuba" award from a New York residency program and the "Artist in Residence" title at the Institute of Design and Audiovisual Media in Basel, Switzerland. She spearheads Espacio Aglutinador, a project that hosts both group and solo exhibitions for local artists. Her influential presence on Instagram has made her a role model for young, aspiring independent visual artists in Cuba.

 

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Et opslag delt af Sandra Ceballos (@art_sandraglutina_photos)

 

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Et opslag delt af Sandra Ceballos (@art_sandraglutina_photos)