NEW YORK, NY.- Paddle8, the leading online auction house, announces Los Cubanos: Icons of Cuban Art a sale showcasing a visionary collection of modern and contemporary art from Cuba. Included is the auction, is a selection of property from a prominent collection of Latin American Art, from the collection of Robert Borlenghi. An early collector of Cuban art, Robert Borlenghi made frequent trips to the island throughout the Castro regime. Paddle8 will showcase this collection live to bidders worldwide, March 14 – March 27, 2018 .

“I’ve been drawn to the vibrant art in Cuba for more than twenty years” says Robert Borlenghi. “Building my collection has been an intensely personal journey of discovery through travel and being immersed in the art of Cuba. I’m thrilled to share it with the world.”

Cuban artworks from throughout the 20th century are featured in Los Cubanos: Icons of Cuban Art with artists from both the two most important historical movements (La Vanguardia and Los Carpinteros). La Vanguardía was comprised of a group of artists who ran an artistic revolution and are credited with introducing Modernism to Cuba during the first half of the 20th century and includes artists Amelia Peláez, Cundo Bermúdez and Mario Carreño among others. Los Carpinteros touch on themes which create a cohesive narrative found in Cuban art including socialist propaganda, freedom, island life, Afro-Cuban identity and politics, exemplified by works by Kcho, Carlos Garaicoa, Roberto Fabelo and Manuel Mendive.

As an Italian emigré living in the United States, Borlenghi was an early champioin of many Cuban artists, kickstarting their careers by buying works by unrepresented artists he discovered while traveling in Cuba. A frequent visitor to Cuba throughout the Castro dictatorship, Borlenghi had the unique opportunity of collecting and supporting artists who did not have the ability to sell their work internationally. While established collectors and advisors in the US & Europe interpreted his collection as a fiscally irresponsible and a risky investment, by buying art by emerging Cuban artists, Robert eschewed the chartered paths of collecting opting for Tomas Sanchez and KCHO instead of Basquiat and Warhol. By mining the Modern and Contemporary art landscape in Cuba, Borlenghi now has the unique privilege to lend works to major art institutions and museums around the world and still remains the authority on the growing art market within Cuba.