Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara celebrates another birthday today, marked by the bars that have separated him from the outside world and his loved ones. This special day is not only an occasion to reflect on his life and work, but also to highlight his bravery, his commitment to freedom of expression, and his unwavering struggle from confinement.
Born in San Isidro, one of the most emblematic neighborhoods of Old Havana, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara has emerged as one of the most significant figures in contemporary Cuban art. His work, deeply critical and rich in symbolism, has focused on the struggle against repression, censorship, and the social injustices faced by Cubans. Through installations, performances, and public actions, Luis Manuel has challenged official narratives and wielded art as a tool of resistance.
Among his most notable works is "Drapeau," a performance in which he used the Cuban flag as a second skin for 30 consecutive days. This artistic act, which questioned the regime's appropriation of national symbols, made him a target of State Security. Another example is the series of urban interventions he carried out as part of his activism in the San Isidro Movement (MSI), where he advocated for the need for freedom and an end to repression in Cuba.
In 2018, Luis Manuel was one of the founders of the San Isidro Movement, a collective of artists, intellectuals, and activists who peacefully oppose authoritarianism. The MSI has championed freedom of expression, cultural rights, and civic participation in a democratic society. Their struggle gained international attention in November 2020 when they staged a hunger and thirst strike in protest of the arbitrary detention of Denis Solís, another member of the movement.
This action culminated in a violent police eviction, but it also garnered the support of hundreds of Cubans and international figures. However, the repression against the MSI and its members did not cease, and Luis Manuel became a symbol of peaceful resistance against an intolerant regime.
On July 11, 2021, Luis Manuel was arrested while attempting to join the historic protests that erupted across the island. Charged with "public disorder," "outrage against national symbols," and "disobedience," he was sentenced to five years in prison in a trial that organizations like Amnesty International have described as arbitrary and politicized.
Since then, he has been transferred to the maximum-security prison in Guanajay, where he has suffered multiple violations of his human rights, including periods of isolation and inadequate medical care. Despite everything, Luis Manuel has continued to create. In prison, he continues to produce drawings and works that have been smuggled out and exhibited at international events, demonstrating that art can transcend any physical barrier.
Today, Luis Manuel celebrates his birthday under circumstances no human being should have to face, especially not for expressing his ideas and his art. This anniversary serves as a reminder of the debt that Cuban society and the international community owe to those, like him, who risk everything to defend fundamental rights.
From his cell, Luis Manuel recently sent a message reaffirming his commitment to freedom and his art: “Nothing has crushed the gifts of creation. I fight because when I close my eyes in deep sleep, my soul walks alongside my loved ones.”
This day, we celebrate not only his life but also his indomitable spirit. Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is a living testament to resistance and the power of art as a means of struggle. His legacy, already etched in the contemporary history of Cuba, inspires us to continue demanding his release and that of all political prisoners on the island. May this birthday serve as a reminder that his voice, though temporarily silenced, continues to resonate in the hearts of those who long for a free and just Cuba.
Happy birthday, Luis Manuel! Your struggle is also ours, and your art reminds us every day of the importance of freedom.
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