Also known as Casa de los Conspiradores from meetings held here in 1848, this house is now the workshop of Yami Martínez. Her works of art symbolise the repression of women illustrated through coffee makers. Their roles are juxtaposed against a domineering and macho culture. Her reputation is spreading quickly to Europe.

About Yami Martínez Workshop

Yami Martínez Workshop

Next to the Parish Church is an unusual looking house. It’s the only one with this corner balcony. Equally fascinating  is that the house is called Casa de los Conspiradores (The Conspirator’s House) from the meetings held here by those supporting the independence movement in 1848.

            Nowadays though, it’s the workshop of a famous Cuban artist called Yami Martínez whose works of art centre around coffee makers. The pots essentially represent the repression of women. Similarly, the positions of the coffee makers are also juxtaposed against male postures since men are often seen as macho and aggressive.

In addition, coffee makers shown to be leaning forward demonstrate a shy woman, the back leaning ones are for confident ones, a side leaning one represents a crazy woman whereas the straight or upright coffee maker is symbolic of a balanced woman.

            The pots come in all sizes and are made from metal, papier-mâché and clay. Furthermore, the pots are shown to be tried, without arms and faces again highlighting that negative aspect of male culture where the women are so busy at home all day they soon find themselves without any rights or respect from society as a whole.

            Downstairs is the shop but upstairs is the artist’s workshop. Paints, tools and brushes are stacked in the corners while some complete and not so complete works of art occupy the floor space.

Painting is another forte which Yami excels in and is also used as extension to illustrate women’s ambitions. Coffee makers on bicycles have nothing to do with sport but are in fact representative of their freedom. It’s a mode of transport away from the daily chores which women assume as part of their obligations.

            Yami’s reputation is widespread in Cuba and her coffee makers can be seen everywhere from cafes to hotels and naturally in homes. Europe is beckoning though as her fame is now being exported further afield to much acclaim.

References

José Martí, Trinidad de Cuba, Colombia 2003, p30.

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