El arte genera preguntas, no respuestas

Dissent can also become a reason for being told to leave. Pregunta (#2) is part of the series El arte genera preguntas, no respuestas, which focuses on the tension between individual expression and the forms of power that condition the right to remain, belong, and dissent in Cuba.

«And why haven’t you left?» originates from a question posed by an officer of the Special Brigade to an activist during a confrontation in Havana. I am particularly interested in what the question takes for granted: if you disagree with the country in which you live, why are you still here?

Within this logic, criticism seems to revoke the right to belong. Those who question are no longer regarded as people entitled to participate, make demands, or attempt to transform what they disagree with; instead, leaving is presented as the answer.

There is something profoundly political about being able to say no and still wanting to stay.