Eastern Professor Exhibits Cuban Art at Lyman Allyn Museum

Written by Jack Meltzer

Willimantic, Conn. -   Gail Gelburd, professor of art history at Eastern Connecticut

 State University, will open her exhibition "Ajiaco: Stirrings of the Cuban Soul" at the

 Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London on Sept. 12.  The exhibition runs through Feb.

 21, 2010, with the opening reception on Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.

            "Ajiaco: Stirrings of the Cuban Soul" is part of a statewide celebration of Caribbean and Latino art that includes exhibitions in Bridgeport, New Haven, Willimantic, Waterbury and Norwalk.  The Lyman Allyn Art Museum partnered with the Hispanic Alliance of New London to provide the support for this exhibition.

            The exhibit seeks to discover the social aspects of Cuban art in a diverse and global context through music, performance art, food and drinks.  More than 50 pieces of art by artists such as Wilfredo Lam and Jose Bedia will be on display. Cuban art incorporates the tales of the Orisha of Africa, the calligraphy of Chinese Tao Ching, and the rituals of indigenous peoples.  Also, a book will accompany the exhibition that includes an essay by Gelburd and a preface by Jim Russell, Eastern professor of sociology.

       Gelburd, who is the curator for the exhibit said, "Isolated and yet educated, restricted and yet heralded, the Cuban artist embodies the angst of their situation and yet embraces the loftiest of goals." 

Gelburd has served on numerous councils, including the University of Pennsylvania Press and the Lee, MA-based Council for Creative Projects.  She has taught at the School of Visual Arts in New York, Malloy College, Berkshire Community College and at Hofstra University, where she was also the museum director for more than 12 years.   Gelburd has presented and lectured throughout the United States, Africa, Europe and Asia.  She has received numerous grants and awards for her work.

On Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. Gelburd will lecture about the stories and the artists in the exhibition.  The lecture is $5 for members and $10 for non-members.  For more information, call (860) 443-2545 or visit www.lymannallyn.org.