Maczel Lang
Havana, Cuba
In the summer of 2015 he began to look at environmental themes. His most recent work reflects the fundamentals of human life and our daily need to preserve the environment; exploring how we co-exist in a more natural, healthy and dynamic way.
It is from his Havana workshop that he and his fellow artists both print their work and pieces from other prestigious Cuban artists. This high ceilinged, vibrant workshop is also home to their regular exhibitions throughout the year.
An artist, illustrator and silkscreen printer Maczel investigates the concepts of identity and the evolution of excessive consumerism. Considered a somewhat controversial artist in his home country, he typically explores the increasing saturation of advertising and its’ manipulative effect on the lives of individuals.
In the summer of 2015 he began to look at environmental themes. His most recent work reflects the fundamentals of human life and our daily need to preserve the environment; exploring how we co-exist in a more natural, healthy and dynamic way.
He has shown his work in multiple exhibitions across the capital and Human Nature is his first international group exhibition outside of Cuba.
I imagine a world where each day we correct ourselves and are thankful for the resources we have been given to exist; that we respect the natural order of things and learn to live together in perfect harmony.
The notion of ‘energy’ is of great importance to me. The power and nature of ‘creating’ plays a vital role in life, energy is at the centre of the creation of all things. The coexistence of humans and nature, and the energy emanated from this relationship, is really the idea I’m exploring throughout my work. Being invited to join Human Nature is a huge gift, encouraging us all as artists to share our experiences, hopes and motivations. We all live together in this world, and the initiative helps us understand the notion of ‘family’ in the most universal and broad sense of the word.
I’m most interested in us all communicating positively, understanding everybody as man and nature. It’s here where art is important, because it sensitizes, educates and raises awareness in a pleasant way. It joins forces, connects minds and consciences from cultural interaction.
‘Equilibrio’ (Equilibrium) makes reference to this necessary harmony. It’s about the connectivity between energy and environment, and where the human sits in this relationship. The idea is understood by many, difficult and baffling for others, but beneficial for everybody. It’s about protecting our environment every day, keeping the idea that we don’t abandon the pleasures given to us by nature. It’s simply to help create a dialogue and strategy together.
My hopes are to start to be able to enjoy and help create a healthy conscience in my society, creating good conditions for future generations. I think it’s the instinct of human nature; we just need to follow it.
