Ireme (Dance King)
Artist
Juan Alonso-Rodríguez
MediumAcrylic on wood panel
Dimensions76 x 48 in. (193 x 121.9 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineSeattle Arts Commission
Ireme (spirit dancer) refers to an Afro-Cuban tradition of an all male dance troupe and somewhat servet society that usually would preform during Carnival. Carnival was my favorite time of the year during my time in Cuba where I was born and lived until I was almost ten years old. On March 2,1966, the day I left, I was on a bus heading to the airport. As we drove through Havana, I remember seeing a couple of the floats that were being readied and embellished for Carnival and wishing I could postpone leaving until after they took place. –Artist statement