Artist Profile: Osvaldo Castillo

Castillo, 35, was born in Contremaestra in southern Cuba. He lives with his wife, daughter and a large number of chickens and animals on a finca along a river amidst an oasis of green in Havana. Like many in Cuba, he lives with an extended family that includes brothers, parents, nieces and nephews. Castillo is what I term a primitivo painter, and in his wood sculptures and paintings we see reflected the personality of a guijaro, or country person. His works are a favorite of the head of the U.S. Interest Section in Havana, who was one of the early collectors of Castillo.

—Ana Weir