Housed within the UCF Library research guide collection, the Cuban Digital Art research guide is the first to amass a collection of contemporary digital works (including photography, paintings, videography and more) by artists from Cuba. This collection of materials is a robust online repository of images, original commentary, videos, news articles, interviews of key artists, and pertinent scholarly publications, books, and websites specific to artists and Cuban digital art. Dr. Karina Lissette Cespedes, Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy and the Humanities and Cultural Studies Program at the University of Central Florida, curates the content and authors the commentary within the guide. Dr. Cespedes has, for over twenty years, authored numerous scholarly publications on Cuban culture, history, and society. Dr. Cespedes' research areas include food security, Cuban tourism, and contemporary cultural expressions.
Highlighting the digital turn in Cuban cultural expressions from the mid-2010s to the contemporary period, the guide is an ever-expanding collection of works and resources through which to gauge the potential of digital art in transmitting various philosophical perspectives. Moreover, the guide provides a dedicated focus on digital works and themes of hunger, resistance, and resilience within the context of Cuba.
While navigating through the guide, it is important to note that the digital divide in Cuba is more pronounced than in any other Latin American country. The selected digital works within the research guide have been produced under conditions of scarce connectivity, as internet and digital technology access for artists not supported by state institutions, and for citizens in general, is financially prohibitive and highly monitored.
The rise of digital art from Cuba provides a unique example of artists from the island expanding the frontiers of Cuba's rich artistic history, regardless of conditions of scarcity and unpredictability. The digital turn within Cuban art is a watershed moment and a testament to the constant growth and innovation of Cuban artists.
Currently, thirteen digital artists are featured within the guide, alongside digital exhibitions and a digital museum. The body of work featured unites the efforts of various artists. Some artists within the research guide have been working without the approval of the Cuban government. These artists are prohibited from exhibiting their works within Cuba due to Cuba's Decree 349, as well as mandates that predate this government order. Others incorporated within the research guide are currently able to openly exhibit their works on the island, and have done so via state-supported venues.
With the goal of distinguishing between non-state-supported and state-supported artists, the research guide lists artists under the two categories on the left sidebar. Some of the artists listed under the heading "Non-State Sponsored" have been actively involved or affiliated with the renowned San Isidro Movement, which participated in the 2021 nationwide protests on the island. Meanwhile, artists listed under the category "State-Sponsored" are not affiliated with the San Isidro Movement or the protests of 2021. They have not been barred from producing or showing their works. What unites the efforts of the artists featured within the research guide is their contribution to the digital turn and their work's ability to convey the endurance of artists in the face of deep and growing scarcity.
As an evolving collection, there is always new material being incorporated and new artist pages "under construction." Please return to the guide often for updates. Dr. Cespedes welcomes comments and inquiries at Karina.Cespedes@ucf.edu