How this neighborhood in Havana became a living work of art
lovePROPERTY team
The kaleidoscope home that transformed a neighborhood
A riot of vibrant colors, quirky mosaics and surrealist sculptures, what may on first glance resemble a children’s theme park is, in fact, the home of Cuban artist Jose Fuster. Inspired by the unique designs of Spanish architect Gaudi, Fuster’s unusual approach to home design proved infectious with his community on the outskirts of Havana and helped transform an impoverished neighborhood. Let’s step inside the colorful world of Fusterlandia…
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The founder of Fusterlandia
The genius behind this kaleidoscopic project, Jose Fuster spent time in Europe working on his art before deciding to take his creative ambitions back to his homeland of Cuba. In 1975 he moved to Havana and purchased an unassuming wood house in the town of Jaimanitas. Little did his neighbors know the daring plans he had for the property…
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A typical Cuban home
Then a run-down and deprived area, the small wooden home that Jose snapped up was most likely modest and compact – the furthest thing from an artistic extravaganza. However, he had big plans for his simple suburban house.
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A mosaic makeover
An artist who specialized in ceramics, graphic design and engraving, Jose began the creative transformation by decorating the walls with intricate mosaics in bright, vibrant shades. Even in these early stages of design, the house was beginning to differentiate itself from others in the neighborhood.
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Building a dreamscape
Fuster’s mosaic creations grew over time, inspired by Caribbean Cuban aesthetics and ‘naive’ art, which draws on childlike shapes and bright primary colors. He branched out to create larger sculptural pieces while his neighbors no doubt watched on in wonder.
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An artistic playground
With the artistic project expanding beyond the house to include a park, Jose added larger statues and incorporated colorful Cuban iconography. Elaborate displays like this one have helped earn Jose the nickname of the Picasso of the Caribbean but the famous Cubist artist wasn’t Fuster’s main influence.
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Homage to Gaudi
In case there was any doubt as to who the main source of inspiration was, there is a dedication to famed surrealist architect Antoni Gaudi at the entrance. With its colorful mosaic designs and organic sculptures, Fusterlandia has more than a touch of Park Güell about it.
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A creative neighborhood
In many towns, this type of unorthodox architecture would have a community up in arms but not here. Fuster offered to decorate his neighbors’ homes and businesses too and soon his designs took over the town. This is the doctor’s surgery – definitely the coolest medical center we’ve seen!
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All hands on deck
Buoyed on by his neighbors’ support, it seems Fuster’s vision had no boundaries. Elements of local folk history combine with tropical motifs such as palm trees, covering almost every surface in the neighborhood. It’s not just Jose at work either – sometimes the neighbors themselves get creative, with the project inspiring a whole new generation of artists.
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The artist at home
While the mosaic wonderland has encompassed almost all of the town, the centerpiece of Fusterlandia undoubtedly remains the artist’s studio and home, Taller-Estudio José Fuster. With visitors free to wander around, some are even lucky enough to see Jose at work.
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Patriotic touches
While the dreamy designs are surreal, they’re also very much rooted in their location – look out for Cuban mantras adorning the walls along with murals of famous revolutionaries and flags.
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A neighborhood transformed
Fuster’s artwork has been embraced by the whole town and what was once just a quirky house has become an artistic community. Over a decade, mosaics have appeared across bus stops, benches, gateways and fountains, not to mention countless shopfronts and residential homes.
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No end in sight
Aside from being a super cool neighborhood, Fusterlandia, which includes over 80 houses, is a vast art project that’s constantly growing. Having enjoyed a successful career, Jose uses proceeds from his art to fund the continuation of the project.
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A cultural landmark
While it may look unlike any other town in the world, Fusterlandia reflects the artistic vibrancy of the Cuban culture, joining the country’s other colorful icons, such as their famously bright retro cars.
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Community first
As well as being a feast for the eyes, Fuster’s neighborhood incorporates a whole host of colorful social spaces including terraces and benches that help to foster a strong sense of community.
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Rejuvenating a town
Using money he makes from selling artwork, not only does Fuster help fund the work on his neighbors’ homes but he has also built public pools and other community facilities that improve the lives of residents in this low-income area.
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Whimsical world
The childlike imagery and larger-than-life designs can’t help but spark wonder in residents and visitors alike. Fusterlandia is a playground for the imagination – here the everyday landscape of life collides with a fantastical and enchanting world.
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Elevating the ordinary
Once a rather austere gateway, Jose has transformed this simple streetscape into a pastoral paradise, using multicolored mosaics to create a tropical landscape, complete with a shining sun.
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Colorful community
For homes in Fusterlandia, colorful patterned façades are the norm. This bold exterior pairs lime green with blood red and warm orange for a look that perfectly channels the carnival spirit. If you look closely, you can just make out a goat and two brightly-adorned figures.
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A creative tapestry
Made up of shards of ceramics, there’s a whole host of images hidden in the mosaics, from mermaids and palm trees to saints, as well as quotations from some of Fuster’s favorite writers: Alejo Carpentier, Onelio Jorge Cardoso, and Ernest Hemingway.
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Accessible art
While the town remains a residential hub, Fusterlandia has morphed into something of a living art gallery. It’s free for anyone to visit, a sort of Disneyland for bohemians if you like.
Fan of the fantastical? Step inside these fairytale homes that you can actually live in.
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Social celebration
While Fuster has had to fend off accusations that the town is an exercise in self-glorification, he remains unfazed. He told Havana Cultura: “This project is not only about my house. It’s about my neighbors’ houses. My neighbors are great people.” The Artists’ Wall here is just one place where other creatives are celebrated.
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A creative commune
Today, Fusterlandia is a haven for artists, as well as being a popular stop-off for tourists and Instagrammers who come to marvel at the colorful displays. Most importantly though, it’s still home to a tight-knit residential community.
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Reawakening a community
A mishmash of design influences, Fusterlandia is a thrilling example of how architecture can revitalize communities and breathe new life into struggling towns. What was once a forgotten and downtrodden part of Cuba, is now a vibrant mecca for the arts.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
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