Raul Martinez, Tribu, 1991

Raúl Martínez was a Cuban artist born in Ciego de Ávila in 1927, who is considered one of the most important artists of the Cuban avant-garde movement.

Martínez began his career as a graphic designer and quickly became known for his innovative designs and his use of bold colors and shapes. In the 1950s, he co-founded the graphic design firm “Estudio de Diseño” in Havana, which became one of the most influential design studios in Cuba.

Martínez’s work as a painter is characterized by a bold use of color and geometric forms, often incorporating elements of Cuban popular culture and political commentary. He was particularly interested in exploring the relationship between art and society, and the role of the artist in effecting social change.

Martínez’s work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in Cuba and internationally, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. His work is held in public and private collections around the world, including the National Museum of Fine Arts in Havana and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Martínez’s artistic legacy continues to influence the contemporary art scene in Cuba and beyond, and his contributions to the development of modern Cuban art are widely recognized and celebrated.