Will the arrival of Cuban artist Mendive provoke another fiery response from anti-Castro forces?
Por: Lissette Art to Burn April 8, 1999 Will the arrival of Cuban artist Manuel Mendive provoke another fiery response from anti-Castro forces? BY LISSETTE CORSAfeedback@miaminewtimes.com On the night of April 22, 1988, Miami art collector Ramon Cernuda presided over an auction at the now-defunct Cuban Museum of Art and Culture. “Going once, going twice … and sold for $500,” the auctioneer announced. The pounding of the gavel sealed the fate of the painting, which was titled El Pavo Real. Jose Juara, the buyer, walked outside and set the Manuel Mendive original ablaze in the presence of about 500 protesters, who accused the artist of being sympathetic to Fidel Castro’s regime. As the the brightly colored peacock depicted on the canvas burned, the tragic lyrics of Cuba’s national anthem filled Ronald Reagan Avenue. It was 11:00 p.m. Now, after almost eleven years, Mendive’s work will again appear in Miami. The renowned artist, known for his unique Afro-Cuban style, will attend an exhi
