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Landing in Havana always signals the beginning of another intense experience. Amidst the ethereal smoke that blurs seamlessly into the shimmering heat are artistic gems buried in cardboard boxes or carelessly stowed under beds, their enticingly curling edges just awaiting discovery. Sifting through the ubiquitous Che Guevera images there were moments of glory. I saw work that needed to be shown beyond the door of the artist’s studio, beyond global politics, put into a place where it could be seen for both for its artistic quality and as the expression of the wildly fluctuating social and political landscape that is Cuba. Although its shores are visible from the Florida Keys, Fidel’s Island is still forbidden territory for the United States, and it was a pivotal moment when I realized that only the arts could transcend the trade embargo. Beyond the Door builds a bridge between the rich visual vocabulary of contemporary Cuban artists and the fresh eyes of Charlestonians whose port city has witnessed centuries of cultural and political discussion. The works are laced with irony, metaphors, and hidden symbols, and hints at a complex religious and social mythology woven through years of enslavement through Palo Monte and Santeria, both Afro-Cuban religions focus on the tradition of trance for communication with dead ancestors and deities, sacrifice of animal, and celebration through drum and dance. The selected art work requires the viewer to step beyond their own threshold, to dare to connect with a voice that may seem controversial but speaks with conviction of change and truth. The Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture at the College of Charleston is the perfect venue for an exhibition of this nature, as the Avery exists to stimulate dynamic interaction about African cultures. An exhibition of this nature is possible only through doors that have been opened by others. Sandra Levinson at the Center for Cuban Studies has been my link to Pichi, Fuster, Jover and Lazo; and I greatly appreciate her continuing insights. Lee Berlinsky of The Simatai Marketing Group, LLC has been crucial in bringing this exhibition from dream to reality. My thanks also to the gracious and knowledgeable staff of the Avery, especially director Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney and Curtis Franks, for their vision and support. Most importantly, I offer my sincerest gratitude to the artists whose work is included, all of it shown collectively for the first time in the United States. I trust that eyes opened will now see in new ways. Rebekah Jacob
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