Travel from Havana to Paris without leaving Cardiff

We'll be celebrating all things Cuban, Welsh and French as we prepare for the launch of Havana Pontcanna, our Spring 2010 collection of contemporary artworks and French design-led products. Renowned Cuban artist Raul Speek will launch Havana Pontcanna at Galerie Galles, 7 Romilly Crescent, Cardiff at 7pm on Thursday 11^th March 2010.

Havana Pontcanna will be showcasing a number of large and smaller works by Raul, who is renowned worldwide for the confident use of colour in his abstracts and portraits, reflecting the unique vibrancy of Cuban culture, its landscape and people. Raul was born in Guantanamo to an Afro-Spanish father and a native American Indian mother. The youngest of eleven children he won a scholarship to study navigation in Havana when he was fourteen and it was here that he began to meet the artists and critics who were to form his future.

In 1989 his life took an unexpected twist when he was introduced to a crew from BBC Arena’s music and art series. They interviewed him as part of their documentary called ‘Havana’ which was broadcast in April 1990.  It resulted in him being offered a solo exhibition at Holland Park Gallery in 1990. Although initially refused an exit visa he eventually made it to the UK and become a British citizen early in the 90s. Raul now lives and works in Solva, Pembrokeshire.

Alongside Raul’s work will be pieces by Iwan Bala, Elfyn Lewis and ceramics from Lowri Davies and People Will Always Need Plates. Galerie Galles will also be launching a range of unique and contemporary furniture and home accessories by acclaimed Parisian design studios ibride and Laissez Lucie Faire, alongside home-grown pieces by Cardiff design company SpaceBuro.

Raul said, “I consider myself fortunate both to have been born into the Cuban revolution process and to be able to express myself as an artist. In Cuba, art is part of community life and I would like to be part of that here. I have exhibited abroad but have also made a point of working within Wales for this is where I have made my home. Wales has changed the accent of my palette slightly and has allowed me the freedom to paint and be myself. I’m looking forward to exhibiting at Galerie Galles and being able to bring the spirit of Cuba to the Capital City of Wales.

“I have long admired the works a number of Parisian design studios and have been able to source a selection of pieces which have never been available in Wales before. You know the feeling; you walk the streets of a foreign city, admire the quirky products on sale and think why can’t I get them in Wales? Well now you can. Leave Paris and Havana for the sightseeing as a number of these funky items are now available in Cardiff for the first time at Galerie Galles.”