Reydel Espinosa

2022

The artist grew up in the countryside of Eastern Cuba. He wandered around in the rural field a lot and often saw cows. He was inspired by the combination of his infantile memory and the Cuban culture to paint the central imagery of two cows dancing salsa. For him, it is an animal representing strength. In this painting, the artist deliberately manifests unrestricted imaginations with characteristics of childishness and innocence as if he were back in his childhood embracing the inborn freedom, being driven by the pure thought of doing something fun. For example, one of the dancing cows is complaining that the little orangutan who is sucking her milk makes her dance badly and lose a point from 10 to 9. On the upper left side, an orangutan falls in love with a monkey, not knowing it is just a marionette manipulated by a group of unknown creatures. Right beside the marionette sits an animal poet who holds a poem with a childish doodle. This creates an ironic contrast between maturity and infancy. Meanwhile, a mixed group of animals and unknown creatures are playing robe jumping on the other side. All these interesting or naughty anecdotes are meant for reminding spectators, including the artist himself, of fearless and fun-driven life attitude as kids. Therefore, a festive ambiance and vivid mood with a sense of childish humor can be felt in this painting. After all, as the Cuban singer, Celia Cruz sang “La Vida es un Carnaval” (Life is a Carnival).