The renowned Cuban artist Félix Semper, famous for his foldable sculptures made from thousands of sheets of paper, has left Miami to settle in Villaricos, a small coastal village in Almería, in southern Spain.
Semper has garnered international attention for its unique technique that transforms simple sheets of paper into solid-looking three-dimensional figures that expand like an accordion, creating mesmerizing optical illusions.
His previous experience working in a print shop influenced his choice of paper as the main material for his work. From his original studio in Greensboro, North Carolina, he has created pieces that pay tribute to iconic figures such as Frida Kahlo, Marilyn Monroe, Jimi Hendrix, and singer Thalía, whose sculpture went viral on social media.
The Semper process involves gluing layers of coated paper together, resulting in sculptures that are resistant to moisture and dirt. Since moving to Spain, the artist has continued to develop his distinctive sculptural style in a new environment filled with cultural stimuli and new opportunities in Europe.
Cuban-Americans are seeking a more peaceful lifestyle in Spain
More and more Cuban Americans are choosing to move to Spain, driven by nostalgia, quality of life, and family ties to the country.
This phenomenon, known as "retirement migrants," involves U.S. citizens of Cuban origin who, after building their careers in the U.S., decide to invest in properties and settle in towns in Galicia, Asturias, Andalusia, or other regions.
Many maintain remote jobs, others rekindle their passion for hobbies that have shaped their lives, and some take advantage of the fortune earned in the United States to relax and enjoy the quality of life that the Iberian country offers.
The so-called "Law of Grandchildren" has made it easier for thousands of Cubans to obtain Spanish nationality, and many are moving from Miami to Spain. This quiet migratory flow reflects a growing trend of retiring outside the United States, in search of tranquility and cultural connection.
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