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UP5 Preview – Icons of Havana: Art of a Revolutionary Generation
One cannot simply become an icon. To become iconic, images must be a reflection of accomplishments in a specific field at a specific time, visual representing something greater than the actual subject itself. Jimi Hendrix is an iconic representation of the 1960’s music scene; Michael Jordan’s is icon of basketball – in 1996 a global poll found Jordan’s face was as recognizable as figures like Chairman Mao, Bill Clinton, John Lennon, or even Jesus Christ. The Coca-Cola logo is an iconic representation of American capitalism and certainly, if T-shirts are a barometer, Ché Guevara’s face, beret and flowing hair are THE icon for revolution and political change.
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Mr. Myl: Inspiring Havana
In May 2020 a large intervention by Mr. Myl appeared high above the streets of Havana. The image of a young boy with his face covered by a bandana and the word Coraje in large bold letters. Two months into the Covid-19 pandemic this was a message for all Cubans, for all people. A year later, when Cubans took to the streets in a historical demonstration of discontent, Coraje was demonstrated in a manner that has not been seen in decades.