Creativity vs. Self Expression

US Delegates - Art Education - Photo taken by Laura Cuevas

Creativity vs. self expression was a topic some of the delegates discussed as we visited schools and explored the homes of a few well known Cuban artists.  Artwork depicting either or both - creativity and self expression could be found throughout Cuba. I invite you to form an opinion as to whether the following artwork demonstrates creativity or self expression.  

The following is the work of Alicia Leal and Juan Moreira. We were invited into their home to view their artwork.  

Alicia Leal

Juan Moriera

Juan Moriera

One of my favorite pictures -Juan Moreira

gi.ebay.com/JUAN-MOREIRA-cuban-art...WORLD-FAMOUS-ARTIST.

www.artscenecal.com/Listings/WestHwd/CouturierFile/

Alicia Leal

The open book has the word "Revolution" printed 1,000 times.
www.cubaabsolutely.com/articles/art/article_art.php?landa=19

 Both of artists exhibit their artwork worldwide -an opportunity that I had originally thought would not have been allowed. Their home was amazing - an old mansion with interesting nooks and crannies surrounding two courtyards. The love of art was expressed in every room. Which made me wonder whether or not home environment plays a role in creativity? I believe that creativity cannot be taught. However, having the opportunity to be creative as well as role models who are constantly exploring creativity, may possibly be a factor in what level a child develops their own creativity? I will write more on this later. 

The next stop was at the home of two sisters who are art professors at the University of Art in Havana.

These two paintings used soda can pop tops 

Tiles on the wall outside in their courtyard.

Large pieces

So, what do you think - creativity or forms of self expression, maybe both? Let's look at a few more, this time the art work was created by students at the college level. The art building was created to resemble a woman's body. I will let you use your imagination. I must say, it was very literal. The woman's body is almost an iconic image found repeatedly in Cuban art. Honor vs. object was another good discussion regarding the use of a woman's body in Cuban art.

Metal frame filled with garbage.

We were all very impressed with the innovative artwork created at the colleges level, however one of the teachers in our group was talking with a student questioning how long a piece had taken to create. He answered a very long time because they do not always have paint. The tubes we saw there were all new. Yet, when I look at the size of their huge paintings (10 foot by 8 foot) I can imagine paint would disappear rather quickly. (note: Cuba = big paintings = ?) Part of me still questioned, how much was "set up" for our arrival. Was everything we saw authentic?

I want to share with you, one last artist, Jose Fuster. This gentleman's home was amazing. His entire house and a large part of his neighborhood, was completely covered in mosaic. He is also well known for his paintings exhibited worldwide. 

Creative or Self Expressing?

Painting by Jose Fuster

Fuster created art from broken tile found all over Havana.

Jose Fuster is in a league all of his own. Check out his website. It is in Spanish - no big deal the art speaks for itself. 

www.josefuster.com

So.. what do you think.. which of the artists were simply expressing themselves and who do you think possessed the gift of creativity? The two are different. Anyone can self express but not everyone can be creative. Self expression in art for example, involves depicting your feelings, emotions, political belief or values in a visually image. (can also be done in other ways too) Many of the Cuban artists do this. 

But what type of art demonstrates creativity? Creativity is multifaceted. There are different levels as well as different modes. For me, creativity is linked with intelligence. (different from knowledge) A creative person has the ability to problem solve, they have the ability to take one thing and make it into something else, they have the ability to figure out how to represent a new or original concept into an original being. Self expression is about feeling. Creativity is about thinking. 

The people in Cuba are extremely creative in all that they do. They have been placed in a situation where problem solving is a life skill. For example, if they need a part to fix their car, they do not go to the store, they make it out of recycled material. The children make their own toys from soda cans and other found objects. The Cuban people are forced to be innovative. They might look at this as oppressive, however, I see it as a contributing factor for the creativity that I saw reflected in their art. When one is given the opportunity to be creative repeatedly it makes sense that this skill would be strengthened. I believe that the Cuban people are a very intelligent nation, a result of living a life which promotes continuous innovation.  The Cuban people are also a passionate nation. Their feelings of despair and frustration are often times expressed in their art. In my opinion the combination of innovation and passion found in the people of Cuba is the key to their amazing artwork.

So... does the living in the US promote more opportunities to self express or to be creative?