Wifredo Lam (1902–1982) was a Cuban painter of Chinese, African, and Spanish descent, renowned for his synthesis of modernist aesthetics with Afro-Cuban spiritual and cultural themes. Born in Sagua La Grande, Cuba, Lam's multicultural heritage and exposure to Santería rituals profoundly influenced his artistic vision. After studying in Madrid and engaging with avant-garde circles in Paris—where he formed connections with artists like Pablo Picasso and André Breton—Lam developed a distinctive style that blended elements of Cubism and Surrealism with motifs from Afro-Caribbean culture. His seminal work, The Jungle (1943), exemplifies this fusion, depicting hybrid figures amidst dense vegetation, reflecting both the complexities of identity and critiques of colonialism. Throughout his career, Lam's art challenged Western perceptions, positioning him as a pivotal figure in 20th-century art who bridged diverse cultural narratives.
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