Cuba, a nation renowned for its celebrated artists, has gifted us a satirical masterpiece of socialist magical realism: a mural portrait of Miguel Díaz-Canel that artistically captures the ghostly essence of Cuba's leader. Seen during the military exercise Bastion 2024, this image adorned the wall of a military meeting room and was snapped by a social media user. It undeniably presents the most accurate depiction of the heir to Castroism—a leader devoid of soul, will, and most importantly, independence.
The mastermind behind this work, wisely choosing to remain anonymous to avoid scrutiny from State Security's "art experts," meticulously rendered the likeness of a leader who doesn't lead, a ruler who doesn't rule, and a president who merely presides on paper. His vacant expression, eyes lost in the void, and inert stance perfectly mirror his administration: a period of total stagnation where crises multiply, and people endure medieval conditions, while the Communist Party elites and military pull the strings of power.
Unveiling the Zombie Leader
The most striking aspect of the image is its stark reflection of reality: Díaz-Canel, much like a political zombie, roams the desolate landscapes of Cuban poverty, parroting scripts from 60 years ago, lacking both responsiveness and autonomy. Alongside him, the artist depicted Fidel and Raúl, reinforcing the notion of "continuity" within the totalitarian regime founded by the dictator, which has further degenerated from a one-party military dictatorship to a state seized by a mafioso "elite" controlled by the military and the PCC's business elite, with their sprawling family-business network extending from GAESA to the bar EFE.
The Symbolism of a Zombie Government
The image of a "zombified Canel" at the helm of a government responsible for the largest exodus in Cuban history, the steepest decline in living standards, and the most egregious and painful inequality, has become a familiar fixture in official media reports and palace gossip. In a land where hunger and hopelessness have become the norm, why be surprised by a portrait that merely mirrors reality?
The artist who brought this work to life—ironically in a figure devoid of life—has reached a milestone in Cuban muralism history: immortalizing the essence of Díaz-Canel in its purest form, that of a leader of "continuity" without autonomy, doomed to wander the Cuban dictatorship aimlessly, waiting for orders from Raúl Castro and the top brass who actually run the country.
Capturing Cuba's Leadership Crisis
Undoubtedly, a genius is at work. The artist's sharp irony has managed to convey with brutal honesty and precision the zombification of a government clinging to outdated narratives while the nation spirals into perpetual crisis. With deft brushstrokes, the artist, whose work briefly appeared on Cuban television screens, unveiled the reality of a leader who, far from leading with independent initiative, has become a puppet of those who truly control the country's strings.
Miguel Díaz-Canel, a leader who has lost his essence, decision-making ability, and connection to reality, has ended up as a specter roaming the halls of power without direction or purpose. Perhaps inadvertently, the "genius" who portrayed him sparked a reflection on the true nature of leadership in Cuba and on who ultimately dictates the nation's destiny.
The talent of this anonymous "genius," whom we hope remains "at large," successfully captured a government devoid of its own will and exposed the charade of supposed leadership that, rather than guiding, is swept along by currents of interests indifferent to the well-being of the Cuban people.
Understanding Cuba's Leadership through Art
What does the zombie portrait of Díaz-Canel symbolize?
The zombie portrait of Díaz-Canel symbolizes the lifeless and puppet-like nature of his leadership, portraying him as a figurehead lacking independence and direction, much like a political zombie.
Why is the artist of the Díaz-Canel portrait anonymous?
The artist remains anonymous likely to avoid repercussions from the Cuban government's State Security, which may scrutinize or reprimand those who critique the regime through art.
How does the portrait reflect the current state of Cuba?
The portrait reflects Cuba's current state by illustrating the disconnect between the government and the people's dire reality, highlighting issues like stagnation, poverty, and lack of effective leadership.