Eduardo Abela
(1892-1965), Cuban painter and caricaturistSitter in 1 portrait
Born in San Antonio de los Baños, he graduated with a Fine Arts degree in 1921. Whilst living in Europe he became acquainted with numerous Cuban intellectuals including Alejo Carpentier, who encouraged him and guided his work. Returning to Cuba, Abela created the character of "El Bobo" ("The Fool") to challenge the Machado government. This he drew for El Diario de la Marina from 1930 until 1934. Abela's criollo character played the fool to satirise the difficult social and political situation in Cuba under Machado. His paintings were influenced by early Renaissance painting and the Mexican mural movement, depicting a romanticised version of peasant life, as seen in his most renowned painting, Los Guajiros (1938).
by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1964
NPG x132343
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