We are on the second floor at Almacenes San Jose, an industrial space near the waterfront. I mentioned yesterday that the second floor is packed with art, most of which is derivative. But some are unique, like the work of artist Enrique Koto. I spotted his work and immediately bonded with it. On my first visit, a younger family member was there to explain his art.

On the last day before going home, I visited Almacenes San Jose again because I heard the artist would be there. I asked if I could make a portrait in front of his artwork. You can see a clearer picture of his work in yesterday’s post.

I would have loved to purchase the large, blueish painting above his head, but alas, it would be too large to transport and hang at the house. Then I discovered he had a similar work in a smaller vertical format at his studio, and I had it brought over. I snapped up that version, had it rolled up into a tube, and put it into my suitcase. Back home, I got the canvas re-stretched onto the wooden frame and attached a white floating frame. Unfortunately, I paid an order of magnitude more to frame the work than I did for the artwork itself. Too bad. I would rather have the bulk of the money go to the artist.

I now enjoyed the framed piece hanging next to the staircase. I see it every day, and it reminds me of my memorable time in Cuba.

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