Renowned Cuban artist Yulier Rodríguez, widely known as Yulier P., executed a striking performance piece as his final act in Cuba before relocating to Spain. He inscribed the word "freedom" using his own blood, marking his departure. "My last work," he announced on Instagram, sharing images of the event that took place on March 18, 2025, just a day before he left the country.
He described this performance as a tribute to the countless men and women who have sacrificed their lives, freedom, and family welfare for the liberty of the Cuban people. To create his message, Rodríguez had blood drawn and used it to write against a yellow backdrop.
Following this gesture, Rodríguez embarked on a journey to Madrid with his wife and child, leaving behind years of censorship, surveillance, and restrictions imposed by the Cuban regime. During an interview with CiberCuba, he explained that the living conditions on the island had become unbearable for him, and the repression stifled his ability to practice his art freely.
Escaping an Oppressive Regime
Rodríguez lamented, "I couldn't open any space to sell my work because the owners were threatened, nor could I participate in any cultural center." He also cited escalating violence and social decay as critical factors in his decision to leave. "Living in Cuba is a risk. I couldn't allow my son to grow up in a system where education and social projection are based on lies."
Born in Camagüey in 1989, Yulier P. gained notoriety for his expressionist graffiti and ghostly figures that once adorned the urban landscape of Havana, many of which were later removed under orders from state security. He worked independently for years, using recycled materials and debris to create his art after the regime closed all institutional doors to him.
The Push to Exile
Despite previously stating in interviews that he had no intention of leaving the country, sustained pressure and deteriorating conditions eventually drove him into exile. "The regime corrupts people's character, turning them into accomplices of oppression. The Cuban population becomes more ignorant, unaware, and violent each day," he lamented.
Questions About Yulier P.'s Departure and Art
What was the significance of Yulier P.'s final performance in Cuba?
Yulier P.'s final performance, writing "freedom" with his own blood, was a tribute to those who sacrificed for Cuban liberty and a protest against the oppressive regime.
Why did Yulier P. decide to leave Cuba?
Yulier P. left Cuba due to unbearable living conditions, increasing repression that hindered his artistic freedom, and the desire for a better future for his child.
How did the Cuban regime impact Yulier P.'s art career?
The Cuban regime imposed censorship, surveillance, and institutional barriers that forced Yulier P. to work independently and ultimately pushed him to leave the country.