Libertad, Patria y Vida (Cuban Chug at Sunset)
Painting on canvas (linen) • Kathy Corey
Style & Movement
Contemporary Coastal Realism / Florida Regionalism
Medium & Technique
Oil on linen; executed with a blend of realism and soft-focus impressionism, utilizing wet-on-wet brushwork for the water and sky, with tighter impasto for the lettering and boat details.
Creation Period
Circa 2021
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
The painting depicts a 'chug' (a makeshift Cuban refugee boat) docked at a wooden pier during sunset. The stern is prominently inscribed with 'LIBERTAD' and the protest slogan 'PATRIA Y VIDA' (Homeland and Life) in red paint, alongside distress signals 'SOS USA'. The composition contrasts the peaceful, golden tropical sunset with the harrowing narrative of migration and the struggle for freedom.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the paint film appears stable with vibrant pigment retention and no visible signs of substrate fatigue or mechanical damage.
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD
Provenance History
Acquired directly from the artist or a Florida-based gallery; likely held in a private collection in Key West or the Florida Keys region.
Art Historical Significance
This piece is a significant contemporary record of the socio-political climate between Cuba and Florida. By using the 'Patria y Vida' slogan—which gained global prominence during the 2021 Cuban protests—Corey elevates a traditional seascape into a poignant work of social commentary, capturing a specific moment in the 'Chug' culture of the Florida Keys.
Notable Features
The specific inclusion of the 'SOS USA' and 'Patria y Vida' text provides a definitive temporal marker for the work. The artist’s choice of linen over standard cotton canvas indicates a higher tier of professional material, providing a smoother texture for the atmospheric sky effects.
Condition Issues
None visible; minor surface dust may be present due to typical display conditions.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with UV-protective glazing if framed. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading of the delicate yellow and orange sunset glazes.
Collector Notes
Key west Artist Kathy Corey oil on linen