Founder

Jorge Raul Villarreal is a multidisciplinary artist primarily focused on photography. Raised as a first-generation Mexican American in a Texas border town, his work delves into identity issues arising from arbitrary border demarcations between two cultures. Jorge’s initial visit to Cuba in 2009 revealed a familiar dichotomy, prompting him to embark on a documentary, ‘La Lucha’ (2013). The project documented the daily lives of Havana residents, capturing accepted inconveniences and the often challenging side jobs they undertook to make ends meet.

In 2018, Jorge Villarreal was invited by then Director Nelson Ramirez de Arellano Conde to exhibit his first solo show at Fototeca de Cuba (National Museum and Gallery of Photography) titled ‘Sink.’ Sponsored by Mexican Ambassador Enrique Martinez Martinez and the Mexican Embassy of Cuba, this exhibition marked a significant moment.

In 2019, Jorge participated in the Künstlerhaus Bethanien Berlin Residency, an experience that fueled his desire to bring similar opportunities to Cuba—the place where his artistic journey found inspiration.

Casa Caché, founded by Jorge Villarreal in collaboration with Cuban artist and curator Nelson Ramirez de Arellano Conde, is a groundbreaking artist residency. Inspired by Villarreal’s firsthand experience of Havana’s artistic and cultural richness during his solo show at La Fototeca Nacional de Cuba in 2018, Casa Caché goes beyond offering workspace. Its mission is to provide resident artists with an authentic Cuban experience, fostering creative and professional growth. Throughout their residency, artists enjoy dedicated time and space to develop their work, coupled with unique opportunities to engage with local gallerists, curators, and fellow artists.

Jorge Villarreal, having frequently traveled to Cuba for over a decade, working on personal artistic projects and contracted for various photography assignments, travel magazines, video editorials, commercials, film production, and logistics, brings a wealth of experience and passion to Casa Caché. Join us on this transformative journey bridging cultural divides and fostering artistic exchange.

Collaborator

Nelson Ramirez de Arellano Conde, born in Berlin, Germany in 1969 and currently residing in Havana, Cuba, is a distinguished multidisciplinary artist, curator, and cultural leader. As the Director of the Wifredo Lam Center and the Havana Biennial, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary art landscape in Cuba.

Throughout his career, Nelson has been dedicated to fostering artistic expression and cultural exchange. He served as the Director of the Fototeca de Cuba, the National Museum and Gallery of Photography, from 2001 to 2019. During this time, he curated award-winning exhibitions, such as “The City and Photography: Havana 1900-2005,” which earned him the National Curatorial Award in 2006.

Nelson’s influence extends beyond the walls of museums; he is the founder of the Havana Month of Photography (Noviembre Fotográfico), a testament to his commitment to celebrating visual arts. As the co-founder of Fabrica de Arte Cubano, he has contributed significantly to Cuba’s contemporary art scene.

Internationally, Nelson is recognized as a contemporary artist and has represented Cuba at the prestigious Venice Biennale as a member of the artistic team “Liudmila & Nelson.” His artistic vision and dedication to cultural initiatives make him a key figure in Cuba’s vibrant artistic community.

In addition, Nelson has been the curator of the Cuban national pavilion at the 59th Venice Biennale and also in the current, the 60th Venice Biennale. This makes him the only Cuban who has been at the Biennale as an artist first and as a curator later.

In 2018, Nelson crossed paths with Casa Caché founder Jorge Villarreal during an exhibition at the Fototeca de Cuba. This encounter marked the beginning of a collaborative journey, where their shared passion for art and cultural exchange laid the foundation for the Casa Caché Artist Residency. As a driving force in the artistic community, Nelson continues to shape the narrative of Cuban contemporary art, contributing to the transformative experience offered by Casa Caché.