(Havana Cuba 1944) Considered by many to be the most important Cuban artist living today, Manuel Mendive is the most iconic Afro-Cuban artists to emerge from the revolutionary period. Graduated from the San Alejandro Academy of Plastic Arts in Havana in 1963, holding his first one man exhibit at the Center of Art in Havana, in 1964. In 1968, he was awarded with the Adam Montparnasse prize for his painting exhibit at the Salon de Mai, Paris, and third prize at the Salón Nacional de Artes Plásticas, in Havana. He has received numerous awards including the Alejo Carpentier Medal (1988), and the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres of the French Republic (1994).

 

His most significant works were created in the 1960's and 70's, depicting the Yoruba mythology and practice in primitivism fashion. HIs pictorial style evolved into a much more ethereal palette in subsequent and recent years continuing to promote Afro-Cuban culture through his colorful art by referencing the Yoruba history with a mixture of African and European styles. He lives and works in Havana.