Doha, Qatar: General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara H E Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti inaugurated the art exhibition “From Cuba to Qatar: Horses, Fibers, and Memories” by Cuban artist and designer Yosvany Martinez.
The opening took place in the presence of Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the State of Qatar H E Enrique Enríquez alongside several other ambassadors and art enthusiasts, as part of the ongoing cultural collaboration between Katara and the Embassy of Cuba in Doha.
The exhibition runs from October 7 to 20, 2025 daily from 10am to 10pm at Building 47 – Hall 1.
The Cuban ambassador expressed his gratitude to Katara for its continuous support of global art and its dedication to building bridges of cultural exchange. He affirmed that the exhibition reflects the depth of relations between the two countries and expresses a spirit of understanding and human connection through the language of art.
The exhibition features 29 paintings and sculptures created with oil paint and papier-mâché, in which the artist employed innovative techniques using natural Cuban fibers — most notably the stems of the esparto macho plant, which he dries and dyes using natural colors, symbolizing both authenticity and innovation.
Artist Yosvany Martinez emphasized that his works showcase the convergence of Cuban landscapes with the Qatari desert, through shared symbols — most notably the horse, which represents freedom in both cultures. In Cuba, it embodies the countryside and history; in Qatar, it symbolizes nobility and tradition. Through his oil paintings and charcoal drawings, Martinez offers a visual dialogue between the local and the global, blending traditional Cuban art with authentic Qatari craftsmanship such as Bedouin camel-hair weaving.
On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of Havana’s founding, Martinez portrayed colonial buildings beneath heavy skies, bringing the essence of Cuba to Doha. He noted that he does not simply highlight cultural similarities but delves into the poetic connections between the two societies — such as reverence for nature, architecture, and artisanal crafts.
The artist has participated in over 50 national exhibitions and 10 international ones across Cuba, Spain, China, Russia, Germany, Canada, South Africa, Brazil, Jamaica, and Mexico. He also represented Cuba at the United Nations Global Exhibition in New York in 2023.
The opening ceremony also featured a musical performance by Cuban sisters Iris Esther and Inesi Esther Limas, in an evening that blended visual arts with music — celebrating the harmony of cultures and the spirit of creativity embodied in the exhibition.
