The artist and Cuban political prisoner Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara will auction part of his work in order to raise funds in support of independent journalists, amid one of the worst crises facing the alternative media ecosystem on the island.
The initiative was announced on the Instagram page of the Museum of Dissidence in Cuba, which described the auction as a symbolic act of solidarity in response to the systematic persecution by the regime against free journalism and the loss of some international aid programs by the U.S. government.
"The independent press in Cuba has played a crucial role in documenting the reality of the country, highlighting marginalized sectors, and providing essential information both inside and outside the island," the statement said.
Art as resistance from prison
The auctioned pieces are part of the work “Charcoal Portrait of Schrödinger's Cat,” conceived by Otero Alcántara from his cell in the maximum security prison of Guanajay.
The work reflects on the human condition under repression, and uses the calendar as a symbol of time suspended in prison.
Each individual day of that calendar will be auctioned off as a work in itself. According to its organizers, this piece represents how a single day behind bars can simultaneously be an act of resistance, a denunciation, and an expression of love.
The team working with Otero, responsible for managing and coordinating his artistic production from confinement, stated that “contributing to the sustainability of free journalism is essential to dismantling the Cuban dictatorship and defending human rights”.
Crisis of independent media in Cuba
Otero Alcántara's initiative comes at a critical time for Cuban journalism. The recent review of all U.S. funding programs has led to the suspension of cultural and media projects that have supported independent journalists on the island for years.
As a result, some professionals have lost their livelihoods, and several media outlets are facing severe operational difficulties in an already hostile environment marked by criminalization, censorship, and state surveillance.
In this context, Otero's gesture stands as a reminder that art and solidarity remain tools of struggle against repression.
Otero Alcántara is a Cuban independent activist and artist born in Cuba on December 2, 1987. He is known for his performances that denounce government actions and for being a leader and member of the San Isidro Movement.
This movement, composed of a collective of artists and creators, aims to promote, protect, and defend civil and cultural rights in Cuba. Today, after being sentenced to five years in June 2022, Luis Manuel remains steadfast in prison on charges that include outrage against national symbols, contempt, and public disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Auction of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and the Situation of Independent Journalism in Cuba
Why will Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara auction his work?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara will auction part of his work to raise funds in support of independent Cuban journalists, who are facing a crisis due to the regime's persecution and the loss of international funding.
What does the work "Charcoal Portrait of Schrödinger's Cat" by Otero Alcántara represent?
The work "Charcoal Portrait of Schrödinger's Cat," created by Otero Alcántara from prison, reflects on the human condition under repression. Each day of its calendar will be auctioned as a work in itself, symbolizing resistance, protest, and love from confinement.
What is the importance of independent journalism in Cuba according to Otero Alcántara?
Independent journalism in Cuba is crucial for documenting the country's reality and highlighting marginalized sectors. Otero Alcántara believes that supporting free journalism is essential to dismantle the Cuban dictatorship and defend human rights.
How does the financing crisis affect independent media in Cuba?
The funding crisis has led to the suspension of cultural and media projects that supported independent journalists in Cuba. This has resulted in the loss of income for several professionals and has exacerbated the operational challenges faced by media in a hostile environment.
Filed under:
