Maria Pepa Lamarque (1892 - 1975). Maria Josefa "Pepa" Lamarque was a Cuban painter and printmaker who played a significant role in the development of modern art in Cuba. Born in Havana in 1892, Lamarque grew up in a family that encouraged her artistic pursuits. She studied at the San Alejandro Academy of Fine Arts in Havana, where she learned the fundamentals of painting and drawing. After completing her studies, Lamarque traveled to Europe to further her artistic education, spending several years in Paris and being exposed to the latest trends in modern art, including Cubism and Surrealism. Upon her return to Cuba, Lamarque became an active member of the island's vibrant art scene, participating in numerous exhibitions and co-founding the Grupo de Arte Moderno, a collective of avant-garde artists who sought to promote modern art in Cuba. Lamarque's work often explored themes of Cuban identity and culture, with a particular interest in Afro-Cuban religious traditions. Her paintings and prints often featured images of Santería deities and other spiritual figures, reflecting the influence of artists such as Carlos Enríquez, Amelia Peláez, and Wifredo Lam. Like many modern artists of her generation, Lamarque was influenced by the work of Pablo Picasso and Diego Rivera, but it was her collaboration with Leopoldo Romañach that had a profound impact on her artistic vision. Romañach was a prominent painter, muralist, and art critic who played a key role in promoting modern art in Cuba during the mid-20th century. He and Lamarque were close friends and collaborators, sharing a mutual interest in exploring themes of Cuban identity and culture in their work. Romañach was particularly known for his vibrant, colorful murals that depicted scenes of everyday life in Cuba, and his influence can be seen in Lamarque's own use of bold colors and strong, graphic forms. Together, Romañach and Lamarque worked to promote modern art in Cuba, participating in numerous exhibitions and events aimed at showcasing the work of avant-garde Cuban artists. Romañach's influence on Lamarque can be seen in many of her most famous works, including her paintings and prints of Afro-Cuban religious figures and her vibrant, abstract landscapes. Romañach's commitment to social justice and his belief in the transformative power of art also had a significant impact on Lamarque's own artistic vision. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Lamarque was also a dedicated educator, teaching at several schools and universities in Cuba, including the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes San Alejandro and the Universidad de La Habana. Her work was widely recognized during her lifetime, receiving numerous awards and accolades, including the National Prize for Painting and Engraving in 1944 and the Order of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, one of Cuba's highest cultural honors. Lamarque passed away in Havana in 1975, but her legacy continues to inspire new generations of Cuban artists. Her work can be found in museums and private collections around the world, and she is widely regarded as one of the most important Cuban artists of the 20th century. Overall, Leopoldo Romañach was an important figure in the development of modern art in Cuba, and his collaboration with Maria Josefa "Pepa" Lamarque helped to shape the direction of Cuban art during the mid-20th century.