Yesterday, 4th to Terminale students at the Lycée Français International de La Havane had the honour of welcoming Ernest Pignon-Ernest, a leading figure in contemporary urban art. His visit was part of his participation in the Havana Biennial, where he paid tribute to the Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier, whose name our school proudly bears.
Sources of inspiration and commitment:
During this exchange, the artist shared his world, marked by the poetry of Rimbaud, Neruda and Darwich, as well as the influence of Pasolini and Caravaggio. Committed to social causes, he notably collaborated with Nelson Mandela to raise awareness of AIDS in South Africa, while producing memorable works in France on historical memory and social struggles.
A Cuban tribute:
For this Biennial, his work celebrates the 50th anniversary of the novel Concert Baroque and the centenary of Carpentier’s birth. His fresco, installed in the Place d’Armes, links literature, music and art in a vibrant tribute to Cuban history.
An inspiring message:
Coming from a modest background, Ernest recounted how his encounter with Picasso’s work changed his life. He reminded our students that ‘the greatness of a work is not measured by how long it lasts, but by its impact’.
Thank you, Ernest, for sharing your passion and vision with our students, opening up new horizons for them.
