The work refers to the heartbreaking and tense relations between the Cubans
who live in Florida and those living in Cuba.  The idea is that both have the same roots and form part of the same drama.

I’ve manipulated a map drawn by a XVII Century Dutch cartographer where he
describes the island of Cuba and the Florida penninsula as one territory
because, at the time, both territories were govern by Spain.  The reference
to the land has remained intact while manipulating the sea that has been
the focal point of so many conflicts in present times.  I’ve drawn a sort
of self-portrait on the sea with pronounced tears in which Florida forms a nose and Cuba a pair of lips, forming a face.
 
This is an attempt at exorcising the historical conflicts between both
territories that have lasted  for decades.  The tittle “Black Tears” is
taken from a very well-known bolero from the 30’s composed by Miguel
Matamoros, a famous Cuban musician.  This bolero, refering to the loss of
someone dear, was, and still is, very popular in Cuba.  This song was
emblematic for the generation that left Cuba in the 60’s at the triumph of the revolution.
 
Ibrahim Miranda

Lagrimas Negras (Black Tears), 2000
Silkcreen-woocut
111 x 91 cm (43 x 36 inches)