The MNBA’s Older Adults Community enjoyed a lecture series that included “Nation and Modernity in Cuban Abstract Art,” presented by Ortelio Rodriguez. He provided an overview of the artists, events, and cultural debates of the 1950s, while highlighting the legacy of Cuban creators associated with Concrete and Informalist art.

Laura Garcia, curator of the Asian Art collection, gave a talk on the general characteristics, materials, techniques, and meanings of traditional Chinese painting, illustrating her points with representative works.

The institution also celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Havana. MNBA Director Jorge Fernandez noted that Asian culture has long offered a perspective on aging as a symbol of wisdom, intelligence, and maturity.

The event concluded with a discussion led by Yosvanis Fornaris—curator of Asian Art at the National Museum of Decorative Arts—and that museum’s director. They spoke about their institution’s Chinese Art collection, describing it as “the largest and most diverse catalog in the country and one of the most important in Central America and the Caribbean.”

A subsequent lecture, “Visual Arts and Body-Mind Practices of Asian Origin,” explored contemporary artists who incorporate Eastern knowledge.

Practices such as Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, and meditation have influenced creators like Ju Ming—whose sculpture engages in a dialogue with Tai Chi—and Tomás Sánchez, known for his meditative landscapes.

For their part, Glenda Leon’s works—*Dosis diaria* and *Cada respiro*—highlighted breathing as a bridge between the external and internal worlds; Kmilo Morales, with *Paisaje prestado* and *Satori 6*, evoked Zen contemplation; and Alexandra Alvarez blended traditional Chinese and Japanese painting with digital languages.

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