By: Azad Karimi
Art is pure knowledge. Seeing the social and existential themes reflected in the works helps you rethink what might previously have been alien. Through my works I have shown the social reality of my country, Cuba and now the one that I am living in Puerto Rico.
Interview
Cuban Painter Alexander Fernandez Tolmo
By Azad Karimi
Perhaps, the viewer says Wow! What erotic paintings!, when he/she, for example, go to Alexander Fernandez’s exhibition in Havana or Los Angeles.
But , I belive Even in the most dogmatic and closed societies where people follow the anti-motivational norms of sexuality and they believe that the purpose of sexual intercourse is only for the survival of the human race. Can you suggest a non-motivational way to have sex be imagined?
Unlike the previous introductions, I will write shorter introductions from this interview for an indefinite period of time, unless it is a historical and analytical article that needs further elaboration.
So I would be happy if someone could be found and introduce a method for people, to have sex without sexual motivation.
Alexander's paintings are interesting and questionable. I have not been to Cuba or other countries in Latin America to learn about their social relations, but I have heard that with all its Latin American characteristics, it is in many ways similar to the Middle East.
And... Finally, I wish my dear friend Alexander all the best. God bless Alexander and his country.
Thank you!
Vestland- Norway
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1- Introduce yourself (name, studies, marital status and ...)
.Alexander Fernandez Tolmo -Graduated as Painter at the San Alejandro Art Academy, Havana, Cuba -Graduated as Conservator-Restorer at the Higher Institute of Art, Havana, Cuba Single
2- What is your artistic specialty?
.Painting -Restoration of Easel Paper and Painting
3- When and how did you become interested in this field of art?
.From the age of 3 I began to draw and then at school I continued to do so. I loved reading the storybooks, but even more seeing the illustrations. Drawing was a hobby, my father bought me books about Painters, ancient civilizations and the most important Museums in the world.
4- Who was your motivator?
.As I drew and painted well as a child, at school and at home they were happy to see my drawings. I wanted to keep drawing to show everyone. See in books and on television the magnificent works of art from ancient civilizations and all the progress, learn about the life of the great painters All this motivated me to continue
5- What was the reaction of your parents?
.They always supported me, but as a child they thought I would dedicate myself to another profession because art was a hobby. In fact my first career was Industrial Chemistry.
6- When did you start as a professional ArtistPainter?
.From 1992 I began to participate in exhibitions in my town. Then I graduated as a painter in 1998 and more possibilities opened up
7- Are you grateful and happy for your activities as an artist?
.Very happy, because I have been able to fulfill myself as an artist in various aspects. In my personal work, designing scenery and costumes for the theater, teaching Plastic Arts to children, youth and adults. In addition, in my work as a restorer of works of art I have had the privilege of working at the Servando Cabrera Moreno Museum in Havana and at the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.
8- How do you see the gaze on art, painting and the future of culture?
.Art in general has ups and downs, that is undoubted, it goes hand in hand with the development of the world. Social networks exert pressure for better or worse in our lives, they can deculturate the individual. There are countless trends in the visual arts. We see a totally commercial art emerge, superfluous. This tendency can be very strong, I have been part of it to survive and to continue developing my work, like it or not. Carrying necessary messages through art will make it possible for the future of culture to be assured, that is the commitment of true artists. Reinforcing it every day is the task. I do not believe that the mediocrity and banality of the media and social networks can be imposed. But you have to be vigilant
9-Why do some paintings become immortal?
.The historical moment of artistic creation is fundamental. A work is immortalized when it is able to capture the human essence of the moment it is created. It may be the work that you least like for its subject, perhaps the artist did not even receive financial compensation for it. But if we are facing a creation that is capable of taking us to key historical moments, to get closer to the knowledge of a region or country, to reveal human behaviors that are inherent to all. So it's an immortal work
10- Can you be part of the artistic-cultural movement of motivation in the youth or new generation in your country and so on?
.Of course. Culture unquestionably helps in the formation of human beings. In a current world where banality is sold in the mass media and social networks, it is important to rescue the new generations who in a large majority only see the ease and find it difficult to understand the real term of culture. For years I have dedicated myself to teaching art classes for children, youth and adults. It has been a wonderful experience to see how many continued the path of art. Others at least changed the way they perceive it
11- How can you help our world become a better place to live?
.Art is pure knowledge. Seeing the social and existential themes reflected in the works helps you rethink what might previously have been alien. Through my works I have shown the social reality of my country, Cuba and now the one that I am living in Puerto Rico. To appreciate them or not is a personal decision. The time I was teaching art reached many students and with passion I showed them the importance of that knowledge for their lives. Through the designs in a children's play, he created worlds that, although ephemeral, became part of them. In reference to the restoration of works of art, I have made it possible for damaged pieces to regain their physical and aesthetic integrity, seeing the light again in Museums and private collections
12- Do you have any more words to say or suggestion for our readers?: .Invite them to read about art, surely their interest will increase and if they decide to study in an art school, or become a self-taught artist, much better. Your way of perceiving the world will change. Art will make you free and happy.
