The exodus from Cuba started in 1959 and early '60s until the Mariel Boatlift of 1980 as a real exile--for political reasons, of a people very rapidly losing their individual liberties and human rights. Together with this loss of liberty came a carefully planned creation of economic scarcity for all, except those closely identified with the Government or the Cuban Communist party. 

The early exiles were largely middle and upper-middle class, so they were not as motivated by improved economic prospects to be found in the United States as were those exiles who came at a later date. Indeed, the later generation of artists who came to Miami in the 1990s were very much looking for more opportunity, while looking for personal and artistic freedom as well.

The exodus continues to our day. Those who came after the early 2000s are mostly immigrants and not exiles, except the very few ex-political prisoners and dissidents forced to leave the Island. Exiles have embraced the United States with the passion of a people without a land. They are involved in every facet of life in the United States. Their children, born here, are true Americans simply proud of their parents and grandparents, who have been immensely successful.

While sharing a common cultural background, the 11 artists featured in EXILE reveal a broad tapestry of talents, styles, and artistic preoccupations. The artists in this exhibition are: Julio Antonio, Humberto Calzada, Maria Emilia Faedo, Carlos Luna, Mario Bencomo, Luisa Basnuevo, José Bedia, Gilberto Ruiz, Carlos Maciá, Humberto Castro, and Roberto Estopiñáon.