Artists In Exile: Roberto Estopinan

Part of a series on exiled Cuban artists, this Cinema Guild release profiles the sculptor Estopinan who left his home in 1960 at the beginning of the Castro regime. The artist as metaphor for history is the theme here; life in Cuba under Batista changes radically with the new Marxist philosophy, and the sculptor as academy-trained traditionalist welcomes the chance to help bring the government to the people. But the high ideals promised get twisted, and instead of freedom, Cubans get a lesson in the tactics of secret police. Estopinan is lucky enough to escape, but forever in his sculptures and drawings is reflected a melancholy longing for home, beauty and peace. Interviews with the artist show an intensely interesting and intelligent man--his personality comes through the subtitled conversation. But unless you pride yourself on your esoteric art collection, this is not a necessary purchase. The other titles in the Artists in Exile series are: Agustin Fernandez, Carmen Hererra, and Daniel Serra Badue. (E. Druda)