Escuelas Nacionales de Arte Cuba
Cuba’s National Art Schools are a remarkable relic of the early Cuban revolution (and of the ways that the Cuban revolution failed to live up to itself). These schools were established on the grounds of what had been a country club just outside of Havana. Following the revolution, the Cuban government decided to build a series of world class art schools on the grounds to help establish Cuba as a center of art, design, and architecture. The schools were never fully completed.
In recent years, there has been a good deal of attention on the architectural and historical significance of these structures, and they have begun to serve more of an “exhibition space” role. They are also used as studios and workshops for modern-day Cuban artists.
The curved, multi-layered, and spacious buildings are incredibly unique and captivating. Perhaps more captivating is the way that natural elements have started to “reclaim” the space. Trees grow inside, on top of, and around the buildings themselves. In many places there is limited distinction between indoor and outdoor. The buildings seem to be interactive — in many locations, it is easy to get up and walk on rooftop sections. I am very interested in the unique interactions between natural environment and built environment at this site.
Escrito en los cuerpos celestes, Parque del Retiro Madrid
Soledad Sevilla’s “Escrito en los cuerpos celestes” should perhaps be considered an exhibition rather than an exhibition space. But given its large scale and interactive nature, and given the distinct memories of light and color that I have of this site, I’ve decided to include it here. “Escrito en los cuerpos celestes” is essentially a massive stained glass installation, all blue, that allows light to pour in and recreates the appearance of the night sky.
The overwhelming presence of color and the makes this exhibition space great. This space inspires me to use colored glass to influence the appearance and feeling of light entering my exhibition space. More fundamentally, the beautiful blue color that envelops this site inspires me to be attentive to the striking impact that bold color can have in an exhibition space.