Cultivating Miracles (Cultivando Milagros)

When the Cuban government first allowed Cubans to hold U. S. dollars, many people viewed this change as the solution to all of their problems. The girl is the artist as a "Pioneer" wearing the red dress which is the school uniform of most Cuban schoolgirls. The man in the foreground is a cartoon character from the late 19th century recognised by Cubans as Liborio. Loosely, it can be said that he is to Cubans what Uncle Sam is to Americans. A thin, short, white peasant (a "guajiro"), Liborio stands as a figure representing a collective self image. He is known for a lack of sophistication and a cunning will to survive. Does he represent stubborn pride or embarrassment? Regardless, the buffoon-like character in the background reminds us that one can't plow the seas. Even dollars can't buy goods that are not for sale.

Paper size is 80 x 105 cm

• Materials: Lithograph
• Size: 50 x 80 cm
• Year: 1996
• Inventory #: 1-39
• Artist: Sandra Ramos