South Florida artist Anthony Hernandez uses his paintings to keep his Cuban heritage alive for his family and the broader community. Born in Cuba and arriving in the United States at age 13, Hernandez draws on the colors, shapes, and artistic traditions he first encountered in his homeland.
Early influences and family support
Hernandez says his mother recognized his talent early. “My mom always said that the only thing that ever kept me calm was throwing a few colored pencils and paper on the floor,” he recalled. She took him to museums and galleries so he could absorb as much of Cuba’s art and culture as possible. “She wanted me to absorb as much as I could and to visualize and record mentally the stuff that was going to be essential in my art today,” he explained.
Remembering Cuba through paint
The artist’s work reflects vivid memories of his childhood on the island. He describes the ongoing struggles in Cuba as “an ever‑changing story” that has persisted for “close to 70 years,” noting that those in power continue to gain more power while ordinary Cubans suffer. Those observations surface in the bold hues and dynamic forms that populate his canvases.
South Florida as a new canvas
Living in South Florida, Hernandez sees Cuban and Hispanic influences everywhere. “There’s a lot of Cuba here in South Florida,” he said. “It’ll show through my paintings. It’ll show in the way we dress, the way we joke, the way we live, our foods. It always shows.” The local environment provides both subject matter and a supportive audience for his work.
Passing the tradition to the next generation
Hernandez’s children now join him in the studio, learning to paint alongside their father. “They would come paint with me. And those things to me have been amazing,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of family in preserving cultural memory.
Looking ahead
When asked about future projects, Hernandez expressed a desire to capture the iconic El Malecón, saying, “I would love to paint myself in El Malecón, interpreting those blue colors. I’d rather keep that happy memory of having something pretty in your mind when you were a kid.” His art continues to serve as a bridge between his Cuban past and his South Florida present, offering a visual reminder that while one may leave a homeland, the homeland never truly leaves.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
