Painter Daniel Quirós Izquierdo transforms fallen pieces of the historic Havana Malecón into unique works of art. By reclaiming these fragments and reinterpreting them through painting, he gives new meaning to elements that once formed part of this iconic seawall .
The Malecón in Havana is one of Cuba’s most iconic landmarks, stretching for eight kilometers along the northern coast of the capital. This storied seawall was originally built to protect the city from the sea’s encroachment, but it has evolved into much more than a barrier against the waves. Over the years, it has become a cultural and historical symbol, deeply woven into the island’s sociocultural fabric.
Cuban artist Daniel Quirós Izquierdo, a graduate of the National Academy of Fine Arts San Alejandro, has taken inspiration from this legendary structure for his latest artistic endeavor. Trained in easel painting, illustration, and muralism, Quirós is currently working on a project that transforms fragments of the Malecón. These are small pieces that have broken away due to the relentless forces of nature and human interaction. By reclaiming these fragments and reimagining them through painting, he bestows upon them a new symbolic resonance.
These salvaged pieces serve as microcosms of the larger wall, bearing witness to countless sunsets, crashing waves, and the lived experiences of poets, musicians, lovers, and dreamers who have gathered along the Malecón for generations. Titled Constructos, this project reflects the interplay between deconstruction and reconstruction. Quirós reinterprets what has eroded over time and infuses it with renewed artistic vitality.
Through his petropics, a fusion of stone and painting, the artist explores the tension between humanity and nature, capturing an “interworld” where the ocean’s power meets human imagination. His work speaks to the ability to rebuild, to transform, and to find beauty in resilience. Ultimately, Constructos embodies the immense power of art to transcend time, breathing new life into history and inspiring fresh perspectives on how we coexist with the world around us.
See more on the artist instagram account.
