Afro-Cuban Religions and the Arts - (Bloomsbury Studies on Cuba) by Alan West-Durán (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book examines the philosophical and spiritual facets of religions like Regla de Ocha, Palo, Abakuá, and Vodou, and how deeply embedded they are in Cuban popular culture and art, be it music, the visual arts, film, or literature.

Book Synopsis

Afro-Cuban Religions and the Arts: A Dog Has Four LegsBut Takes Only One Path argues for an understanding of Afro-Cuban religions and Vodou through the arts, be it through music, the visual arts, film, or literature. This book examines the philosophical and spiritual facets of religions like Regla de Ocha, Palo, Abakuá, and Vodou, and how deeply embedded they are in Cuban popular culture. Cuban popular music, from son to salsa, timba to rap, offer reflections on Ocha, Palo, and Abakuá influences. Film and visual arts borrow allegory from Regla de Ocha and Palo beliefs. Myth and the Haitian Revolution is embedded throughout the work of Alejo Carpentier, Aimé Césaire, and Derek Walcott. This volume seeks to dialogue with the works of contemporary artists and Caribbean ancestors such as C.L.R. James, Wilson Harris, and Fernández-Retamar, in order to show the impacts that spiritualism, religious belief, and mythology have had on Afro-Cuban art.

Review Quotes

"This is an exceptional book, beautifully written, and infused with deep spirituality and academic rigor. Alan West-Durán offers a comprehensive exploration of Afro-Cuban religions like Ocha, Palo, and Abakuá through the lenses of music, art, and film. He masterfully discusses how popular genres such as son, salsa, and rap reflect Afro-Cuban spirituality, analyzing songs that highlight faith, rituals, and cultural pride. Subsequent chapters study the work of distinguished artists like Omar Sosa, whose music brilliantly blends Afro-Cuban and global influences, and María Magdalena Campos-Pons, whose art powerfully engages with identity and orisha spirituality. Through insightful analyses of films by Fernando Pérez and artwork by José Bedia, the book skillfully examines representations of orisha archetypes and Cuban spiritual practices. It culminates with an insightful discussion of the Haitian Revolution and Vodou, offering a deep understanding of their lasting impact on both Haitian and Cuban cultural identity and social change. Afro-Cuban Religions and the Arts is an outstanding and illuminating work." --Luis Duno-Gottberg, Rice University

"Alan West-Durán has expertly weaved together an insightful interpretation of numerous African-inflected cultural practices in Cuba, including literary texts, musical compositions, the visual arts, and films. His analysis eloquently demonstrates how myth and history of African origin permeate Cuban culture, both popular and elite, especially through the influence of the three major Afro-Cuban religions: Regla de Ocha, Palo, and Abakuá." --Jorge Duany, director and professor, Cuban Research Institute, Florida International University

Alan West-Duraacute;n has expertly weaved together an insightful interpretation of numerous African-inflected cultural practices in Cuba, including literary texts, musical compositions, the visual arts, and films. His analysis eloquently demonstrates how myth and history of African origin permeate Cuban culture, both popular and elite, especially through the influence of the three major Afro-Cuban religions: Regla de Ocha, Palo, and Abakuaacute;.

This is an exceptional book, beautifully written, and infused with deep spirituality and academic rigor. Alan West-Duraacute;n offers a comprehensive exploration of Afro-Cuban religions like Ocha, Palo, and Abakuaacute; through the lenses of music, art, and film. He masterfully discusses how popular genres such as son, salsa, and rap reflect Afro-Cuban spirituality, analyzing songs that highlight faith, rituals, and cultural pride. Subsequent chapters study the work of distinguished artists like Omar Sosa, whose music brilliantly blends Afro-Cuban and global influences, and Mariacute;a Magdalena Campos-Pons, whose art powerfully engages with identity and orisha spirituality. Through insightful analyses of films by Fernando Peacute;rez and artwork by Joseacute; Bedia, the book skillfully examines representations of orisha archetypes and Cuban spiritual practices. It culminates with an insightful discussion of the Haitian Revolution and Vodou, offering a deep understanding of their lasting impact on both Haitian and Cuban cultural identity and social change. Afro-Cuban Religions and the Arts is an outstanding and illuminating work.

About the Author

Alan West-Durán is professor in the Department of Cultures, Societies, and Global Studies (CSGS) at Northeastern University.