Duvier del Dago at the Havana Biennial
ArteMorfosis has the pleasure of collaborating with the Cuban artist Duvier del Dago (*1976, Zulueta, Villa Clara), at the XV Bienal de La Habana. Our colaoration started in 2017 with his solo exhibition STANDBY in our Zürich gallery. Our partnership has since expanded to diverse venues, including events in Como, the 14th Bienal, and several online and virtual reality exhibitions.
In the XV Bienal de La Habana (2024/2025), we are thrilled to work with Duvier on three major contributions. On these pages, you’ll find exclusive documentation of the creative process, artist statements, and highlights from the Bienal.
Del Dago is renowned for his exploration of Cuban identity through symbolic and architectural motifs, often revisiting history with a personal lens. His work incorporates icons like Havana’s Capitolio, drawing parallels with its namesake in Washington D.C., but with a distinctly Cuban interpretation. Symbols such as La República, a female figure inspired by European modernity, and Cuba’s tricolor flag reference pivotal moments in Cuban and global history.
Duvier’s approach defies linear storytelling, using spatial relationships and intricate design to invite viewers into an interpretive experience. His compositions encourage personal reflection, as he combines fine watercolor techniques with sculptural installations, where light, shadow, and threads bring his creations to life.
Duvier’s journey, from childhood influences like the Parrandas de Zulueta to his studies at the Higher Institute of Art, has fueled his evolution as a visual experimentalist. His signature installations draw from fiction and reality, blending traditional methods with innovative techniques to produce immersive experiences. Through this fusion of material and metaphor, Duvier’s work is a unique, poetic testament to the cultural fabric of Cuba.
The Making of the Three Installations of the XV Bienal de La Habana
Starting with a Space …..
… or Baby Crib Linen
… or a Technique
(Click on photos for details of the projects)
A Profile of Duvier del Dago
Duvier del Dago, born in Zulueta, Cuba, in 1976, is a contemporary artist who lives and works in Havana. He is renowned for his intricate installations and thought-provoking investigations of Cuban identity, history, and the influence of technology on society. Del Dago’s artistic journey began with early influences like the Parrandas de Zulueta carnival, where he observed the transformation of designs into large-scale, three-dimensional floats. This experience sparked his interest in drawing and spatial imagination, which later evolved into his signature thread sculptures.
Education and Artistic Influences
Del Dago pursued formal art education, first at the “Oscar Fernández Morera” school in Trinidad and later at the Higher Institute of Art (ISA) in Havana. During his time at ISA, he was exposed to influential artists and professors, such as René Francisco Rodríguez, Eduardo Ponjuán, Lázaro Saavedra, Belkis Ayón, and Ramón Cabrera Salort, among others. This period proved pivotal in shaping his artistic vision and technical skills. He credits his time at ISA with encouraging him to experiment with various media and engage in collaborative projects, which ultimately helped him to develop his unique style.
Artistic Style and Thematic Concerns
Del Dago’s work is characterized by his meticulous approach to construction, blending conceptual ideas with skilled craftsmanship. His installations are carefully planned and executed, responding to the specific context of their location. He is known for his signature thread sculptures, created by meticulously weaving threads to form three-dimensional figures. Del Dago uses ultraviolet lighting to illuminate the threads, creating a holographic effect that adds a mesmerizing quality to his work.
A recurring theme in his art is the exploration of Cuban identity and history. He incorporates symbolic motifs, such as “La Republica,” a female figure inspired by European modernity, and the Cuban flag, to represent significant moments in Cuban history. His art goes beyond mere representation, aiming to capture the essence of Cuban life through personal experiences and observations of everyday realities.
Engagement with Technology
Del Dago is interested in the interplay between technology and humanity. His series “Error humano” (Human Error) examines the relationship between technology and nature, drawing parallels between natural forms and man-made objects, such as drones and submarines. This series reflects his concern about the ethical implications of technology, particularly its potential to erode human values and privacy. His exhibition “Standby” uses drone imagery to critique the increasing surveillance and control in modern society, encouraging viewers to think critically about the potential consequences of unfettered technological advancement.
The Significance of Public Spaces
Del Dago prefers to create art in public spaces because he wants to reach a broader audience and engage with a variety of perspectives. He recognizes that public spaces have inherent meaning and aims to create installations that interact with their original function, adding new layers of interpretation and sparking dialogue about the themes he explores.
In summary, Duvier del Dago is a multifaceted artist who draws inspiration from his Cuban heritage and engages with contemporary issues surrounding technology and its impact on society. His meticulously crafted installations, often featuring his signature thread sculptures, invite viewers to contemplate the complexities of Cuban identity, history, and the ever-evolving relationship between technology and humanity.
