Wifredo Lam: A Retrospective at MoMA

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is hosting a significant retrospective titled “Wifredo Lam: When I Don’t Sleep, I Dream,” which runs through April 11, 2026. This exhibition is the first in the United States to comprehensively document the career of Wifredo Lam (1902-1982), a Cuban artist whose work bridges modernism and Afro-Caribbean culture. Curated by Christophe Cherix and Beverly Adams, the show features over 150 artworks, including notable pieces like “La Jungla” (The Jungle) and “Grande Composition.”

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Born in Cuba to a Chinese father and an Afro-Cuban mother, Lam's early artistic education began in Havana before he moved to Spain in 1923. His experiences in Europe, particularly during the Spanish Civil War, deeply influenced his work. His first major political painting, “La Guerra Civil” (The Spanish Civil War), created in 1937, reflects the chaos and violence of the era. After relocating to Paris, Lam became involved with the Surrealist movement, collaborating with figures such as Pablo Picasso and André Breton.

Wifredo Lam, One of Surrealism’s Most Misunderstood Artists, Comes into Focus at MoMA

Upon returning to Cuba in 1941, Lam's perspective shifted, leading him to explore themes of decolonization and Afro-Atlantic culture. His iconic work “La Jungla,” painted shortly after his return, symbolizes the complex interplay of colonial history and Afro-Cuban spirituality, depicting hybrid figures amidst sugarcane—an emblem of the region's colonial past.

New York Times

The retrospective highlights several pivotal works that showcase Lam's evolution as an artist. “Grande Composition” (1949), a monumental piece, exemplifies his exploration of hybrid forms and cultural identity. Lam described his art as “an act of decolonization,” emphasizing the need to reclaim African cultural narratives within a Caribbean context. His collaboration with poet Aimé Césaire further enriched his artistic vision, as seen in works that intertwine visual art with poetic themes.

6 Iconic Artworks from Wifredo Lam’s MoMA Retrospective

Critics note that Lam's work challenges traditional categorizations, merging elements of Surrealism, Cubism, and Afro-Caribbean iconography. The exhibition aims to rectify the historical downplaying of Lam's Afro-Cuban heritage, presenting his figures not merely as dreamlike forms but as representations of cultural and historical significance.

Wifredo Lam, One of Surrealism’s Most Misunderstood Artists, Comes into Focus at MoMA

While the retrospective has been praised for its depth and breadth, some critics question whether Césaire's influence has overshadowed Lam's original intentions. The title of Lam's painting “Madame Lumumba,” for instance, was assigned posthumously by Césaire, raising discussions about the implications of authorship and interpretation in Lam's work.

Wifredo Lam, One of Surrealism’s Most Misunderstood Artists, Comes into Focus at MoMANew York Times

Wifredo Lam's retrospective at MoMA serves as a vital reexamination of an artist whose contributions to modern art have often been overlooked. By presenting his work within the context of Afro-Caribbean identity and colonial history, the exhibition not only honors Lam's legacy but also invites contemporary audiences to engage with the ongoing dialogues surrounding race, identity, and artistic expression. The retrospective stands as a testament to Lam's enduring influence on future generations of artists.

6 Iconic Artworks from Wifredo Lam’s MoMA Retrospective

• “Africa has not only been dispossessed of many of its people, but also of its consciousness,” — Wifredo Lam

Wifredo Lam, One of Surrealism’s Most Misunderstood Artists, Comes into Focus at MoMA

• “His work transcended categorization and, by doing so, reimagined and expanded the boundaries of modernism,” — Beverly Adams, Co-curator

6 Iconic Artworks from Wifredo Lam’s MoMA Retrospective

The exhibition is a significant cultural event, shedding light on Lam's multifaceted identity and the profound impact of his work on the art world.

6 Iconic Artworks from Wifredo Lam’s MoMA Retrospective