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Agustin Cardenas Biography
Agustín Cárdenas Alfonso, born on April 10, 1927, in Matanzas, Cuba, emerged as a pivotal figure in the world of modern sculpture, leaving an indelible mark on the Surrealist movement in Paris. His journey from the sugar industry port city of Matanzas to the avant-garde circles of Paris encapsulates a story of artistic evolution and cultural synthesis. Cárdenas's lineage traced back to slaves from Senegal and the Congo, imbuing his work with a profound sense of heritage and identity.
Cárdenas's artistic education commenced at the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes “San Alejandro” in Havana, where he studied under Juan José Sicre from 1943 to 1949. Despite the classical training, he quickly ventured beyond its confines, drawn towards the avant-garde. His early career was marked by his involvement with the Asociación de Grabadores de Cuba (AGC) from 1951 to 1955, and notably, his participation in the creative group Los Once (The Eleven) from 1953 to 1955, a collective of Cuban painters and sculptors who rejected conventional art forms.
The year 1955 marked a turning point for Cárdenas as he relocated to Paris, immersing himself in the city's vibrant artistic community. His move to Paris facilitated encounters with key figures of the Surrealist movement, including André Breton, who famously described Cárdenas's artistic hand as "efficient as a dragonfly." This period was characterized by his exploration of African heritage and Dogon totems, integrating these influences into his sculptural work, which was also shaped by the likes of Brâncuși, Henry Moore, and Jean Arp.
Cárdenas's sculptures are celebrated for their sinuous, totemic forms that capture the human figure in abstract. Working with wood, marble, and bronze, he developed a unique style that blended poetic curves, sensual forms, and abstract figures. His work often suggested figurative representation through the titles he chose, engaging with a range of symbolic subjects such as totems, shells, women, couples, horses, doors, and stele. This approach allowed him to traverse various facets of creation, employing materials that referenced his ancestral origins and the modern sculpture tradition alike.
Throughout his career, Cárdenas received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France and the Fujisankey Biennal Prize in Japan. His sculptures have been exhibited globally, from the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana to the Haim Chanin Fine Arts Gallery in New York City, and are part of permanent collections in prestigious institutions such as the Centre National des Arts du Cirque, Fonds National d’Art Contemporain, and Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air in Paris.
Cárdenas's return to Cuba in 1994, amidst illness, marked the final chapter of his life. He passed away on February 9, 2001, in Havana, leaving behind a legacy that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. His burial in the Montparnasse cemetery in Paris symbolizes the bridge he formed between his Cuban roots and his profound impact on European modern art.
Agustín Cárdenas's work stands as a testament to the power of cultural synthesis, embodying the fusion of African heritage with European modernism. His sculptures not only reflect a deep engagement with the materials and forms but also encapsulate a dialogue between the subconscious memory and the tangible world. As one of the forerunners of modern abstract sculpture, Cárdenas's contributions continue to inspire and resonate, capturing the essence of a creative spirit that knew no bounds.
Agustin Cardenas Quotes and
Sales of Works
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