Fidel’s Century Through the Artworks of Casa de las Américas

This Tuesday, as part of the activities for the 66th Edition of the Casa de las Américas Prize 2026, the exhibition "Fidel’s Century" was inaugurated. The display highlights the close relationship between the leader and the institution, as well as with the transcendental literary award that promotes literature throughout the region.

Comprised of nearly 60 pieces, the show includes photographs, drawings, engravings, and paintings. These works belong to the institution's own "Arte de Nuestra América Haydée Santamaría" Collection, supplemented by creations from three guest artists: designer Pepe Menéndez, cartoonist Arístides Hernández (Ares), and photographer Humberto Mayol.

During the presentation, Silvia Llanes, director of Visual Arts at the center, noted that this exhibition traces a portion of the tight-knit relationship sustained by Fidel Castro Ruz (1926–2016) with the House. Furthermore, it encourages new imaginaries through the visual arts to express the life journey of this historical protagonist.

According to Llanes, who also served as curator, this is a documentary exhibition because it shows Fidel as a central theme within the arts—as an expression of thought, imagery, and national history. Research into the institution's archives reveals a close bond in their shared mission to promote Latin American and Caribbean literature and art.

Both the curation and the museological concept of "Fidel’s Century" investigate historical processes, memory, archives, and contemporary Cuban art. This research has likewise allowed for the revival of the most significant moments in Latin American culture through specific pieces, artists, and visual codes.

"For us, it was very moving to make this selection," Llanes declared before offering attendees the chance to revisit these encounters with history, the past, and a figure who maintained a constant affective relationship with Casa de las Américas and its key members.

In the afternoon, today’s program for the 66th Casa de las Américas Prize included a panel in the Manuel Galich Hall titled "Thinking and 'Essaying' in Today’s World." The discussion featured prominent Argentine sociologist and historian Paula Klachko alongside Marlene Vázquez Pérez, researcher and director of the Center for Martí Studies; both serve as jurors in the Historical-Social Essay category.

The inauguration of "Fidel’s Century" was attended by, among others, Alpidio Alonso Grau, Minister of Culture; Abel Prieto Jiménez, president of the host institution; as well as participants, jury members, researchers, intellectuals, and the general public.