Eduardo “Choco” Roca, La ventana, 2005

Eduardo “Choco” Roca Salazar, simply known as Choco, is a Cuban artist born in 1949 in Santiago de Cuba. He is recognized for his vibrant and colorful paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures that celebrate the African and Caribbean cultures that have influenced Cuban society.

Choco graduated from the National School of Arts in Havana in 1968 and began his career as an illustrator for the Cuban film industry. He has since exhibited his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Cuba, as well as internationally in countries such as France, Germany, Spain, and the United States.

Choco’s art is characterized by a unique fusion of African, Caribbean, and Cuban iconography, often featuring elements such as masks, musical instruments, and animals. His work is rooted in the Afro-Cuban cultural heritage and often highlights the resilience and beauty of the African diaspora in the Caribbean.

In addition to his art, Choco has also been involved in teaching and promoting the arts in Cuba, serving as a professor at the National School of Arts and the Higher Institute of Art in Havana. He has received numerous awards for his artistic contributions, including the Cuban National Culture Distinction and the Alejo Carpentier Medal, one of Cuba’s highest cultural honors.