Havana, May 21 (RHC-AIN)-- The names of the winners of the first edition of the Farber Foundation Cuban Art Awards were announced in Havana on Wednesday, when only a few hours remained for the official inauguration of Havana's 12th Biennial.

The organization, directed by Patricia and Howard Farber of the United States and created in 2010 to promote Cuban art and sponsor of Cuban Art News Web site, named Alexandre Arrechea “Artist of the Year.” Arrechea received a trophy and 10,000 dollars as part of the award.

Arrechea, a graduate of the Higher Arts Institute and a member since 2003 of Los Carpinteros, is known for his work linked to power and its network of hierarchies, surveillance, controls and prohibitions. Outstanding in his work are great exhibitions like No limits, a collection of large steel sculptures along New York’s Park Avenue.

At the Wilfredo Lam Contemporary Art Center, Celia Gonzalez and Yunior Aguiar received the acknowledgement of “Best Young Artist of the Year,” dedicated to celebrate the talent of creators younger than 35 years of age with a notable work over the last two years. They received a trophy and a cash prize of three thousand dollars.

When asked why here and now, we always say that because our hearts were brought to this country, which revealed its artistic richness, and it is at this moment when, after many years, we can make this dream come true, said Howard Farber, founder of the nonprofit organization that bears his name.

The 12th Biennial of Havana, to be officially opened on May 22nd, will welcome thousands of foreign visitors, including about one thousand U.S. citizens, attracted by the quality and strength of contemporary art made in Cuba.

Massive exhibitions such as the one that will be opened at the Morro-Cabaña Park, considered the largest exhibition of Cuban art ever, and exhibitions by hundreds of guests, will make this meeting a great event.