His Art of Inspiration: Yovani Bauta Impresses UT

In an attempt to “expose students to intellectual activities they wouldn’t normally get in class,” Dr. Lopez, professor of modern languages, introduced the University of Tampa to the artistic and intellectual work of Professor Yovani Bauta.

Bauta, a one-man whirlwind, has dabbled in the areas of law, art, theater, politics comedy, and writing during his professional career.

Seats were quickly filled at the Scarfone/Hartley Gallery. Many students were content to stand as Bauta spoke eloquently in his native language of Spanish, translated by Dr. Lopez.

He described his experience of coming of age during the Cuban Revolution and his ultimate exile from Castro’s Cuba.

He spoke of life in Miami and the fact that, no matter what, he will always be a Cuban artist.

He discussed the influence of war, pain and the fluid evolution of themes in his artwork.

Freshman Sophie Erber reflected on the presentation, saying, “He sufficiently merged art and Cuban exile into a form that students could visually comprehend. He had a lot of insight and words of wisdom to share.”

Professor Yovani Bauta proved to be not only an artist and intellectual but an inspiration, as well.

He spoke as a man who had seen and experienced much in life but had found art in the pain and sorrow.

“Regardless of what happens, keep on living,” he advised.
In a discussion with Bauta after the symposium, I was able to glean more insight into the man behind the art.

He spoke admiringly of Frida Kahlo, an artist whose life was her art and who painted emotions without secrets.

He said, “The only way to find a place in the universe and make yourself universal is to expose your own emotions.”

He sees this practice as not only a way of art but also a way of life.

When describing his own work on his website, he says that, “More than sensuality, I am looking for a human resilience and the pain and suffering through which we try to overcome the numerous obstacles we find in our lives outside our native countries.”

To learn more about Yovani Bauta and his work, visit his website at www.yovanibauta.com.

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