Oil painting -> List of Painters -> Wifredo Lam
Personal Details
Name |
Wifredo Oscar de la Concepcion Lam y Castilla |
Place of birth |
Sagua La Grande, Cuba |
Date of Birth |
December 8, 1902 |
Date of Death |
September 11, 1982 |
Nationality |
Cuban |
Field |
Painting |
Awards |
Guggenheim International Award |
Influenced by |
Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso |
Works |
The Jungle. 1943. Museum of Modern Art, New York |
Wifredo Lam was a Cuban painter who is considered one of the most important figures in 20th century Latin American art. He was born in Cuba in 1902 and studied painting in Havana and Madrid. His work is characterized by a unique synthesis of European avant-garde styles, African and Asian influences, and his own Afro-Cuban cultural heritage.
Lam's early career was heavily influenced by the Surrealist movement. He was inspired by the works of Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, and he often used highly symbolic images to explore themes of race, identity, and spirituality. His paintings often depict hybrid figures, combining animal and human elements, as well as abstract forms and bold colors. Lam also experimented with a variety of media, including sculpture and lithography.
In 1938, Lam moved to Paris, where he met and was influenced by leading Surrealist artists such as André Breton and Max Ernst. He also traveled to West Africa, which had a profound impact on his work. He began to incorporate African masks and figures into his paintings, which further reinforced his commitment to exploring themes of racial identity and cultural exchange.
In the 1940s, Lam's style shifted away from Surrealism towards a more abstract, Cubist-influenced aesthetic. He developed his own unique visual language, which was characterized by vivid, swirling brushstrokes, bright colors, and bold shapes. He also continued to explore themes of race and identity, often depicting hybrid figures that combined elements of African and Latin American cultures.
Throughout his career, Lam was heavily involved in the Cuban Revolution, and his work was deeply influenced by the political climate of the time. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of Afro-Cubans, and his work often addressed issues of race and oppression.
Lam's legacy lives on in his work, which has been widely exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world. His paintings continue to inspire and influence a new generation of Latin American artists, and his commitment to exploring themes of race, identity, and cultural exchange have made him an important figure in the history of modern art.
Works Of Wifredo Lam:
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