About the Exhibition:
El Grupo Bayate, founded by Luis Joaquin “El Maestro” Rodriguez Arias and his son, Luis “El Estudiante” Rodriguez, has brought together 20 self-taught artists who work in the arte naif tradition, painting from lived experiences with bold colors and joyous depictions of Cuban life. Reflecting themes of Cuban landscapes, celebrations, and community, these artworks capture the spirit of everyday life in Cuba, using art as a medium for community-building and cultural pride.

The Artists

This cooperative, established in 1994, serves not only to promote local artistry but to inspire and connect with their community. Their work is embedded in projects like “Proyecto Miranda” for young painters, “Proyecto Francisca” for women artists, and “Alegría de Vivir” for children—all initiatives that strengthen pride and preserve cultural heritage through art. The exhibition offers a meaningful window into Cuban life and folk traditions, creating an accessible experience for all visitors.

The exhibition will also showcase Luis el Estudiane’s work in collaboration with Laurence Salzmann in the photo series La Lucha/The Struggle. The focus of these photographs is the human form against the backdrop of a minimally equipped training studio. The images of the wrestlers in La Lucha represent an appreciation of the masculine form as well as an exploration of the role of sports in national identity. In La Lucha, Laurence Salzmann uses this ambiguity as a departure point to explore the relationship between athletic endeavor and national and personal survival.

Their project resulted in the La Lucha book and a show of their work at Taller Puertorriqueño in 2001 and as part of el Festival Cubano, a city wide cultural festival in 2002.  
 As part of the El Festival Cubano in 2002, works by the group were shown at
 Indigo Gallery and Taller Puertorriqueño along with photographs from Salzmann's La Lucha Series that included paintings by Luis El Estudiante.


Get The Show List

Event Details:

• What: Opening of "Por un Mundo Mejor // For a Better World" Art Exhibition

• Opening Reception: November 15, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

• When: On view November 8 — December 5, 2024

• Where: Salzmann Photography Center at Photo West Gallery, 3810 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104

• Renowned Violinist Ruda Lee will bring her exquisite talent to the intimate gallery space at Photo West Gallery on Saturday, November 16th at 5:00 PM, as part of the "Por un Mundo Mejor // For a Better World" art exhibition.

• Special Drumming Event with BuildaBridge's Drummer’s Journey Program: November 17th from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, at Photo West Gallery, 3810 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104

• Visiting Artists Programming at local schools.

• Luis el Maestro encourages people to come and paint with him at the Salzmann Photography Center at Photo West Gallery.

"We are thrilled to host Por un Mundo Mejor // For a Better World at Photo West Gallery," says the Salzmann Photography Center’s curator. "This exhibition offers Philadelphians a unique opportunity to engage with Cuban culture and the powerful perspectives of artists who advocate for global unity and resilience."

Attendees will have the chance to explore these expressive pieces and connect directly with the themes and stories portrayed by the artists. The opening reception will feature light refreshments and an opportunity to meet local art supporters and members of Philadelphia's cultural community.

This free exhibition is open to the public, and art enthusiasts, students, and the Philadelphia community are encouraged to visit. "Por un Mundo Mejor  // For a Better World" will be on display at Photo West Gallery through December, offering a lasting chance for viewers to experience this extraordinary collection.

About the Salzmann Photography Center and Photo West Gallery
The Salzmann Photography Center (SPC) at Photo West Gallery is a leading Philadelphia space for visual arts, dedicated to community engagement through culturally enriching exhibitions. SPC looks forward to sharing many different photographers and their works with Philadelphia’s photographic and art communities in the future.