Belkis Ayón

Why this artist matters now

Belkis Ayón was a Cuban printmaker who worked primarily in the technique of engraving on linoleum, creating monumental black-and-white compositions that drew on Afro-Cuban religious traditions and the visual language of her own cultural heritage. Her prints, characterized by bold contrasts and densely worked surfaces, addressed themes of identity, spirituality, and the legacy of slavery in the Caribbean. Ayón's work gained recognition in Cuba and internationally during the 1980s and 1990s, though her practice was cut short by her death at age 31.

Source: Moma Bulk 2026 05 04 · Trust score: 92% · Updated 1mo ago