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Embracing Carmen Herrera’s Legacy-A Vibrant Showcase of Cuban Artistry at Lisson Gallery, New York

March 7th – April 13th, 2024

Embracing Carmen Herrera’s legacy: A Vibrant Showcase of Cuban Artistry at Lisson Gallery, New York- Step into the vibrant world of Cuban artistry with Lisson Gallery, New York’s latest exhibition, embracing Carmen Herrera’s (1915–2022) legacy. This exclusive showcase offers a curated collection of Herrera’s geometric “paintings on paper,” meticulously crafted during the twilight years of her illustrious career. Through Herrera’s bold compositions and vibrant hues, visitors embark on a journey through her mastery of color and form, rooted in her architectural training at the esteemed Universidad de la Habana in the late 1930s. Join us as we delve into Herrera’s artistic process, exploring the intricate layers of her creativity and the profound impact of her pioneering spirit on the world of Cuban art.

Exploring Herrera’s Distinctive Style:
Herrera’s artistic oeuvre is characterized by bold, hard-edge compositions that exude a sense of dynamism and vitality. Her geometric “paintings on paper,” created with precision and finesse, serve as a testament to her mastery of color and form. Drawing inspiration from her architectural background, Herrera infuses her works with a unique blend of structure and fluidity, creating visual narratives that resonate with viewers on a profound level. Each brushstroke is imbued with intentionality, as Herrera strives to capture the essence of her subject matter and evoke an emotional response from her audience.

Tracing Herrera’s Artistic Journey:
Born in Havana, Cuba, Carmen Herrera’s artistic journey began at a young age, fueled by a passion for drawing and a desire to express herself creatively. After completing her studies in architecture at the Universidad de la Habana, Herrera embarked on a career that would span decades and transcend cultural boundaries. Throughout her life, Herrera remained committed to her artistic vision, continually pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and challenging the status quo. Her dedication to her craft and unwavering pursuit of excellence are evident in every brushstroke, as she fearlessly explores new techniques and mediums to bring her artistic vision to life.

The Three-Part Painting Process:
At the heart of Herrera’s artistic practice lies a meticulous three-part painting process, which she refined over the course of her career. The process begins with Herrera drafting rough sketches on gridded paper, using rulers, pencils, and colored marker pens to outline her compositions. These preliminary drawings serve as the foundation for her “paintings on paper,” allowing Herrera to experiment with form, color, and composition before committing her ideas to canvas. Once satisfied with her initial sketches, Herrera translates them into more formal acrylic paintings on paper, refining the forms and colors to create cohesive compositions. Finally, some of these works on paper are scaled up and copied onto canvas, while others undergo further modifications to color, structure, and orientation. This rigorous process reflects Herrera’s dedication to her craft and her relentless pursuit of artistic perfection.

The Evolution of Herrera’s Artistic Vision:
Throughout her career, Herrera’s artistic vision continued to evolve, as she sought to push the boundaries of traditional art forms and explore new avenues of creative expression. Her geometric “paintings on paper” serve as a testament to her innovative spirit, as she deftly combines elements of abstraction and geometry to create visually stunning compositions that captivate the imagination. Herrera’s use of bold, vibrant hues and crisp, clean lines imbues her works with a sense of energy and vitality, inviting viewers to engage with her art on a deeper level. With each new painting, Herrera pushes herself to new heights of artistic excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the world of Cuban art.

Celebrating Herrera’s Legacy:
As a blog dedicated to sharing news about Cuban artists, we are honored to celebrate the life and work of Carmen Herrera at Lisson Gallery, New York. Through her captivating “paintings on paper,” Herrera’s legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, cementing her status as one of Cuba’s most iconic artists. We invite you to join us in commemorating Herrera’s extraordinary contributions to the world of art and to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Cuban artistry. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the brilliance of Carmen Herrera firsthand and to explore the enduring legacy of one of Cuba’s most visionary artists.


In conclusion, Carmen Herrera’s geometric “paintings on paper” stand as a testament to her mastery of color and form, her unwavering dedication to her craft, and her pioneering spirit. Through her bold compositions and vibrant hues, Herrera invites viewers to explore the intersection of art and architecture and to engage with her work on a deeper level. As we celebrate Herrera’s legacy at Lisson Gallery, New York, we are reminded of the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries and to unite people from all walks of life. Join us in commemorating Herrera’s extraordinary contributions to the world of art and in celebrating the enduring legacy of one of Cuba’s most visionary artists.

Lisson Gallery

Carmen Herrera at CANY Blog


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