Programme Director
The Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg, Councillor Amos Masondo
Mr Chris von Christierson, your wife Marina and daughter Nadia, the owners of the collection
Mr Orlando Hernandez, the curator of the collection
His Excellency the Ambassador of Cuba, Mr Angel Villa
Our exhibiting artists who have travelled to South Africa for the opening of this exhibition
Honoured guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Thank you for inviting us to speak at the opening of the “Without masks:” Contemporary Afro-Cuban Art Exhibition. This exhibition of contemporary art works by Cuban artist seeks to highlight the long-standing cultural link between Cuba and Africa. Indeed, through this exhibition we are reaffirming the African heritage that we hold in common with the people of Cuba.
This exhibition not only portrays the rich historical and cultural links between Africa and Cuba. It also presents a unique opportunity to better understand how the traditions of Africa have influenced and became part of contemporary Cuban culture.
Most importantly, this exhibition captures the long and historic special bond of friendship and solidarity that exists between Cuba and South Africa.
Programme Director, Cuba occupies a prominent place in the history of the struggle for the liberation of the African continent and in particular the liberation of our country.
During the days of the struggle for liberation, we drew inspiration from the enormous sacrifices made by the people of Cuba so that as Africans we can regain our dignity and freedom.
We carry with us fond memories of the triumph by the Cuban forces at the battle of Cuito Cuanavale, which dramatically changed the political landscape in Southern Africa, paving the way for the total de-colonisation of the African continent.
We also acknowledge the exemplary role Cuba plays in advancing the spirit of internationalism and solidarity. In particular, we applaud the role Cuba continues to play in assisting us to respond to the socio-economic challenges we face in our country.
Inspired by the wise words of that outstanding son of Cuba, a revolutionary and a national hero, Jose Marti who said, “Not only are we Cuban, but part of humanity and we fight for the honour and well being of all of humankind”, we look forward to stronger cultural, political and economic relations with the people of Cuba.
It is fitting, therefore, that a collection of art works by some of Cuba’s outstanding artists will be shown for the first time at this exhibition, taking place in one of Africa’s finest and most prestigious cultural venues, the Johannesburg Art Gallery.
The timing of this exhibition is also perfect.
This exhibition takes place at a time when South Africa is preparing to host the people of the world for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
We have no doubt that; through this exhibition, South Africans as well as visitors to our country will be afforded an opportunity to better understand the commonalities that exist between the people of Cuba and Africa.
I am told that as part of the exhibition programme, there will be a number of discussions and educational sessions. It is my sincere hope that these conversations will stimulate thought, learning and debate, and in so doing will lead to a better appreciation of the historic and cultural bond that exists between the peoples of Cuba and the African continent.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the von Christierson family and the Watch Hill Charitable Foundation, who generously brought this exhibition to Johannesburg. Let this exhibition be yet another step in ongoing efforts to strengthen Afro-Cuban relations
I wish you a successful exhibition.
Thank you.
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
23 May 2010
Source: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za/)
