The Republic of Cuba has announced its participation in the 61st Venice Biennale with a solo exhibition by artist Roberto Diago titled "Hombres Libres" (Free Man). Curated by Nelson Ramirez de Arellano Conde and located at Il Giardino Bianco, the installation features a series of sculptural heads crafted from salvaged materials like oxidized metal, wood, and plastic. These works, characterized by prominent surface scars, are designed to confront viewers and provoke a dialogue about the enduring nature of memory and dignity.
Diago’s project is significant for its exploration of freedom not as a legal status, but as a continuous practice of resistance and historical preservation. By utilizing the "scar" as a central motif, the artist addresses the legacy of the African diaspora and slavery, framing the black body as a site of both trauma and resilience. The exhibition reinforces Cuba's ongoing presence in the international art dialogue, focusing on identity politics and the material history of the Caribbean.