The exhibition showcases over 80 works by more than 50 Cuban artists, exploring the island’s cultural heartbeat and artistic heritage.
Tampa, FL — The Tampa Museum of Art, in collaboration with The Cuban Arts Group, is pleased to announce the opening of Under the Spell of the Palm Tree: The Rice Collection of Cuban Art, on view from February 6 through July 6, 2025. This exhibition highlights the multifaceted narrative of Cuban art, spanning decades of modern and contemporary creativity. Visitors will discover more than 80 paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, mixed media, art books, and sculptures by over 50 artists, illustrating the vibrancy and resilience of the Cuban artistic spirit.
Organized into six themed sections, Under the Spell of the Palm Tree offers an immersive journey through the cultural, historical, and aesthetic dimensions that have shaped Cuban art:
- The Language of Forms and the Forms of Language – Early modernist works from the late 1940s demonstrating abstraction’s role in Cuban artistic development.
- The Prophet’s Dream – Art that arose from social and political consciousness, reflecting the dynamic identity emerging after the Cuban Revolution.
- The Great Journey – Pieces that poignantly convey themes of exile, displacement, and the enduring connection to Cuba.
- The Sensory Landscapes of Memory and Desire – Works infused with hedonism, whimsy, and intimate reflections on memory and longing.
- The Musings of Narcissus – A focus on self-representation, philosophy, and personal exploration across a range of media.
- The Spirit of the Real, the Reality of the Spirit – Artworks steeped in Afro-Cuban spiritual traditions, mythology, and symbolism that blur the lines between the tangible and the ethereal.
Susie and Mitchell Rice began their journey as collectors in 2013, captivated by the island’s vibrant art scene. Over the last decade, the Rice Collection of Cuban Art has grown to encompass more than 70 artists, revealing a compelling intergenerational narrative that transcends borders. Their commitment to sharing Cuban art’s depth and richness with the public is central to this exhibition’s mission.
“We are delighted to bring Under the Spell of the Palm Tree to Tampa,” said Dr. Michael Tomor, the Penny and Jeff Vinik Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art. “Through this diverse selection of works, our visitors will be able to explore Cuban culture from various perspectives—historical, social, political, and deeply personal. We are honored to collaborate with The Cuban Arts Group and grateful to Susie and Mitchell Rice for making this remarkable collection accessible to our community.”
The Cuban Arts Group provides major support for the exhibition. Community sponsors include an anonymous foundation and Santander Bank. Generous donors who share the Tampa Museum of Art’s dedication to bringing important cultural narratives to the Tampa Bay region have provided additional support.
A full-color illustrated catalog accompanies the exhibition. It offers in-depth essays by Curators Gabriela Azcuy and David Horta, bringing further insights into the works on view. Throughout the run of Under the Spell of the Palm Tree, TMA will also host a range of educational programs, discussions, and community events, inviting audiences of all ages to discover the richness of Cuban art and engage with its historical and contemporary significance.
For more information about Under the Spell of the Palm Tree: The Rice Collection of Cuban Art and upcoming educational programs, visit tampamuseum.org or call (813) 274-8130.
About The Cuban Arts Group
Dedicated to enriching and strengthening cross-cultural connections through the arts of Cuba, The Cuban Arts Group, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, is a collaborative effort between those passionate about the arts, and history, from the U.S. and Cuba. Founded in 2015, the Cuban Arts Group builds on cultural evolution that has taken place—and continues to grow—both on the island and throughout the U.S. Cuban diaspora. The organization’s mission is to educate Americans about Cuban arts and culture through thoughtfully curated exhibitions and diverse educational arts programs including discussions, lectures, involving Cuban artists, art educators, curators, historians, and writers throughout. Learn more at thecubanartsgroup.org.
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