Rita Longa

Havana, December 22 (RHC)-- The photography exhibition ‘Forma, Espacio y Luz’ (Shape, Space and Light) was inaugurated at San Francisco de Asís Convent, in Old Havana in the framework of the 14 Havana Biennial.

The exhibition compiles the winning works of the photography competition with the same title.

The competition and the exhibition are dedicated to celebrate the life and work of Cuban sculptor Rita Longa, on her 110th birthday anniversary and the 36th anniversary of the Council for Monumental and Environmental Sculpture Development, which organized the two events in coordination with Lente Artístico Project.

The title is inspired by perhaps Longa's best known work --her modernist sculpture ‘Shape, Space and Light’ (1953), positioned at the main entrance of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Havana.

Shape, Space and Light

Curated by Tahymi Canto Machado, the 30 winning photos on display reflect the authors’ personal perception of Rita Longa’s works scattered all over Havana, recreating the qualities that define the organic quality of the sculptures that she created --rhythm, movement, grace, refinement and elegance.

Ballerina at the entrance of Tropicana Cabaret Club

Influenced by Art Deco, Longa created works that have become symbols of the environment to which they belong. The marble Ballerina (1950) presides over the entrance of the internationally known Tropicana Cabaret Club.

A bronze sculpture of the Indian chief Hatuey (1953) became the symbol of Hatuey beer found all over Cuba.

Hatuey