Belkis Ayon: Nkame Mafimba
Revised and expanded second edition of the catalogue raisonné by Belkis Ayón, a leading figure in Cuban printmaking in the 1990s.
Belkis Ayón (Havana, 1967–1999) is a key figure in the history of Cuban art. Her unexpected death cut short aesthetic explorations and technical procedures of considerable impact on contemporary printmaking.
Belkis carried out rigorous intellectual research into the Abakuá Secret Society, which allowed her to discover its symbolic and cultural universe and create an inimitable visual narrative.
The founding myth of Sikán became a thematic reference point for the artist's discourse. The character became an alter ego , allowing her to channel profound existential questions and, at the same time, stimulate a reinterpretation of themes such as identity, power relations, fear, pain, and sexuality.
In the sacred Abakuá language, Nkame mafimba means praise, story, deep conversation. Twenty-five years after her death, this creator's legacy continues to inspire profound reflections on the contemporary cultural scene. This new edition, expanded and revised by her Estate, features the cataloging and reproduction of all the artist's master prints.
The book includes two QR codes that link to all the Spanish and English texts from the first edition, on the one hand, and to the texts from the new German edition, on the other. This is the result of the reunion with the Ludwig Foundation in Aachen, which supported this publication.
Details
Revised and expanded second edition of the catalogue raisonné by Belkis Ayón, a leading figure in Cuban printmaking in the 1990s.
Belkis Ayón (Havana, 1967–1999) is a key figure in the history of Cuban art. Her unexpected death cut short aesthetic explorations and technical procedures of considerable impact on contemporary printmaking.
Belkis carried out rigorous intellectual research into the Abakuá Secret Society, which allowed her to discover its symbolic and cultural universe and create an inimitable visual narrative.
The founding myth of Sikán became a thematic reference point for the artist's discourse. The character became an alter ego , allowing her to channel profound existential questions and, at the same time, stimulate a reinterpretation of themes such as identity, power relations, fear, pain, and sexuality.
In the sacred Abakuá language, Nkame mafimba means praise, story, deep conversation. Twenty-five years after her death, this creator's legacy continues to inspire profound reflections on the contemporary cultural scene. This new edition, expanded and revised by her Estate, features the cataloging and reproduction of all the artist's master prints.
The book includes two QR codes that link to all the Spanish and English texts from the first edition, on the one hand, and to the texts from the new German edition, on the other. This is the result of the reunion with the Ludwig Foundation in Aachen, which supported this publication.