The renowned Cuban artist Yulier Rodríguez, widely recognized as Yulier P., has left Cuba after enduring years of censorship, harassment, and restrictions imposed by the oppressive regime. According to Facebook posts, the acclaimed graffiti artist has relocated to Madrid, Spain, with his wife and son. In an interview with CiberCuba, Rodríguez elaborated on the reasons behind his departure, highlighting that the country's decline and pervasive poverty left him without the means to live with dignity.
Rodríguez emphasized that governmental restrictions made it impossible for him to sustain himself through his art. "I couldn't open any space to sell my work because they threatened the owners, nor could I participate in any cultural center," he stated. Furthermore, he expressed that the increasing violence and societal decay in Cuba compelled him to leave. "It's a risk to live in Cuba now. I couldn't allow my son to grow up here in a system where education and social interactions are based on lies," the artist asserted.
He believes the regime corrupts people's character, turning them into accomplices of oppression. "The Cuban population is becoming more ignorant, unaware, and violent every day," he lamented. Born in Camagüey in 1989, Yulier P. gained fame in Havana with his expressionist and ghostly graffiti, many of which were removed by State Security orders.
For years, authorities pursued him and barred him from exhibiting in official circuits, forcing him to use debris and recycled materials to continue his work. In previous interviews with our outlet, he had maintained that he didn't plan to flee Cuba. However, the extreme conditions of repression and social deterioration led him to change his mind.
Insight into Yulier Rodríguez's Departure from Cuba
Why did Yulier Rodríguez leave Cuba?
Yulier Rodríguez left Cuba due to the country's decline, pervasive poverty, and the inability to live with dignity under the regime's restrictions. He also cited increasing violence and societal decay as reasons for his departure.
Where has Yulier Rodríguez relocated to?
Yulier Rodríguez has moved to Madrid, Spain, with his wife and son.
What challenges did Yulier Rodríguez face in Cuba?
He faced censorship, harassment, and restrictions that prevented him from sustaining himself through his art. The government threatened those who tried to support his work, and he couldn't participate in cultural centers.