Manuel López Oliva: Painter and Art Critic at the National Museum of Fine Arts

The summer and vacation period in July and August in Cuba provide an excellent opportunity for generations to continue engaging with culture and art at various institutions. Let us consider a delightful suggestion for family recreation.

In Havana, the National Museum of Fine Arts, a place where one can feel truly at ease, is home to a nationally and internationally renowned artist, Master Manuel López Oliva. A distinguished painter and art critic, he brings a unique style through his particular vision of diverse realities. How does he express them? Through masks, where the individual and their struggles prevail. Imaginative, astute, and intuitive, he recalls the Cuban carnivals—a long-standing tradition—through his masks, which do not merely represent but signify symbols, emotions, and reunions.

Master Manuel López Oliva has stated: “To mask oneself is not to hide but to recap and recycle codes. Let us reflect on masks in theater and the visualities recreated in different artistic manifestations.” For him, “nothing drives the search more than what is hidden. Hence the masks.” He adopts them with suggestive provocative beauty.

Visitors to the National Museum of Fine Arts will gain access to the ideas and thoughts of an artist committed to the surrounding realities and, especially, the representation of life as theater. He believes that “painting arises from culture and dissatisfaction.” For this reason, he researches, enjoys discoveries, and practices art criticism. In his works, the mask becomes sovereign, transforming into a sentiment. The textures shine in a vibrant palette. Meticulous brushstrokes and defined lines reveal what is hidden from the senses.

The popular imagination and the interest in discovering a unique poetics are motivated by Master Manuel López Oliva.

Let us explore the visual treasures of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Havana. Rediscovering the works of prestigious figures enriches the intellect and spirituality.

Excerpt: This time, we propose to reflect on the contributions of Master Manuel López Oliva, a prestigious painter and art critic.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez