- Untitled
Sheet: 14 × 19 in. (35.6 × 48.2 cm)
Explore Further
During the balseros (rafters) crisis that began in August 1994, in the darkest days of the Special Period, tens of thousands of Cubans attempted the perilous crossing of the Florida Straits aboard makeshift rafts, and many perished. Occasionally, the tide returned empty rafts to Cuba, like this one. There is something strangely festive and hopeful about its design: the arches, perhaps part of a structure to shield the sun, suggest a gazebo, and the straps intended for safety amid storms have the grace of ribbons. Those who built this raft were remarkably ingenious and resourceful, but their fate remains uncertain.
Durante la crisis de los balseros (agosto de 1994), en los días más oscuros del Período Especial, decenas de miles de cubanos intentaron el peligroso cruce del Estrecho de la Florida en embarcaciones improvisadas. Muchos de ellos perecieron. Ocasionalmente, la marea devolvía a Cuba balsas vacías como esta. Su diseño resulta extrañamente festivo y speranzador: los arcos, que probablemente formaban parte de una estructura para protegerse del sol, evocan una glorieta; mientras que las correas, recurso de seguridad durante las tormentas, asemejan cintas decorativas. Quienes construyeron esta balsa demostraron gran ingenio, pero, lamentablemente, su destino permanece incierto.
ProvenanceMadeleine and Harvey Plonsker, Glencoe, Illinois; given to MFAH, 2024.
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.