"La Conga" by Evelio Garcia Mata, 48" x 96",
oil on board.
Evelio Garcia Mata (1903 - 1984) specialized in painting country scenes
and animals. He participated in many shows and won numerous awards. He founded
the Cuban fine arts association Sociedad Cubana de Bellas Artes.
"La conga was created by Evelio García Mata during a time when
the international success of Cuban music was making huge strides in creating
national pride. Prior to being commissioned to undertake this work, García
Mata had been one of the only Cuban artists that had chosen to specialize
in depicting animals. Hence, this painting became an acclaimed exception
to his usual works.
The conga, a popular Afro-Cuban dance consisting of a three-count pulse
and a kick-step, had become widely popular in the late 1930s, as dancers
formed long conga lines that weaved through dance floors. It also became
a great component of social interaction as it permeated all barriers of
society. It was enjoyed as a street dance during carnivals as much as during
the most sophisticated high society parties.
This painting, clearly influenced by the art deco style that had become
so prevalent in Cuba during the 1920s, is not meant to represent a realistic
scene but rather a symbolic one. Decorative elements found in the murals
and stage designs of the time are noticeable. As are the presence of some
technical resources, such as the gold color used for the banana-like big
leaves in the background, not commonly used in straight painting. García
Mata plays the rhythm of the conga (a feminine noun) in the body of the
mulatto dancer, who lifts her left arm as she does the kick-step. She wears
a sensual typical dress and is joined by a group of six musicians. The painter
stresses harmony between dancers and musicians. Even those that are playing
their instruments are also taking part in the dance. García Mata’s
vision is optimistic: the scene takes place in an idyllic setting, among
palm trees. The painting beautifully portrays a moment when Afro-Cuban music
became part of mainstream Cuban society and a representative of Cuban culture
at large". - Alfredo Triff, Musician and Art Critic
source: www.moas.org |
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