Hello, my name is Benigno Casas Montes de Oca but,you can call me Beny for short!
In my works, I challenge the living conditions in which,in Cuba, our society survives, ruled either by the power mechanisms and political control or by the effects of ideological indoctrination.
In my previous works, I sought compromise, under censorship, and used elliptical processes and metaphors in order to disguise my message. I began using imagery and symbols which on their own appear insignificant, but as viewers develop a sensitivity to the work they may see connections between the symbols and discover meanings that are not apparent at first glance. Duality is often a survival resource when working against the social mechanisms of contemporary Cuba.
In order to question the beaurocracy of the regime, I try to question its icons and history in its own terms. I use allusions, metaphors and parodies to fake civil obedience. However, I avoid the stereotypes, clichés and folkloric cartoons which present a fake image of Cuba - especially those developed at the beginning of the revolution which are now promoted for commercial gain in the art and tourism markets.
I believe art is a weapon of reflection towards possible change; and I see my work as a paradox between art and criticism. The challenge of these works in their social context is to renegotiate relationships with the regime; I must fool censorship in order to be accepted and acclaimed by the official bodies and I must fight the ways and rules of the leaders, thereby developing a new, alternative language.
Link to Myspace: www.myspace.com/benycasas