At 18, Luiz Cruz Azaceta fled Cuba from the threat of compulsory military conscription under Fidel Castro’s newly formed regime. He moved to the U.S. and used his previous experience with the dictatorial regime to create his work. Azaceta explores the themes of terrorism, war and exiles in his 29-piece exhibition that spans from 1980 to the present. Oppression and the human spirit weave together to bring this affecting exhibition to life.

His use of common scenes ravaged by the effect of war and oppression gives the vehicle to explore people’s struggle with tragedy and depression against hope and optimism in an oppressive environment. His artwork further explores these opposing desires and the constant struggle humans have within themselves and outside forces.