CubaPLUS Magazine

There is a saying that goes, “small town, big hell,” but on this occasion, I prefer to say, “small town, great artists,” which perfectly describes Florida, in the province of Camagüey, home to the Carbonell family—four generations of whom have dedicated themselves to the visual arts. 

On this occasion, two of those generations—great-grandson and grandson (son and father)—share the beautiful story of the Carbonell family, who have devoted their lives to expressing their talent through the colors of painting. 

In this regard, the local radio station interviewed Félix Carbonell Sánchez and his son Iván Carbonell Guerra, two prominent painters from Florida who are known in the art world by the pseudonym “Machuty.” 

Machuty Sr. recalls that his grandfather, Julio Carbonell, was the first painter in the family, although his uncle, Luis Carbonell, was also engaged in the art of brushes and colors. 

Regarding his father, he explained that he used to design advertising billboards for cigarette packs and Hatuey beer. They were self-taught, as neither he nor his grandfather had formal academic training—back then, Cuba lacked the educational opportunities available today for young people to study art. 

Later, Félix explained that when he started painting, his father did not approve and even forbade him from picking up a brush, saying that in the country, only propaganda was made. However, at the age of 15, Félix began painting anyway, ignoring his father’s prohibition; over time, as an adult, his father would ask him to bring his paintings to show to the neighbors. 

“I won’t take anyone’s ideas away,” said Machuty Sr. “When my son Iván started painting, I gave him the materials. Sometimes we argued because he is very technical, and I’m a bit behind on technique. But it’s a friendly discussion. He will always win because he is well prepared.” 

Meanwhile, Iván Carbonell, Machuty Jr., shared in the interview with the Florida radio station that “since I was a child, I was interested in the visual arts. I spent hours scribbling on paper and mixing colors. It’s in my blood. My ancestors carried this with them, although I had the opportunity they didn’t—to study at the School of Art Instructors.” 

“Currently,” he continued, “I teach classes at the creative workshop of José Martí Secondary School in Florida, and I also paint. Balancing both roles is a great responsibility, but at the same time, it allows me to improve myself.” 

Speaking about his upcoming project, in which his father is also involved, Machuty Jr. expressed: “Ultimately, behind my artistic creation, there is always my father’s teaching and the knowledge he instilled in me. I believe that from this relationship was born the exhibition project called Machuty a Dos Manos [Machuty with Two Hands]: two hands expressing differently—me more contemporary, my father more traditional—but, in the end, they share a message, a content. I owe this to him, thanks to the artistic talent he passed on to me.” 

“My profession is a significant commitment to my family because they supported my studies, and it obliges me to uphold the Carbonell family name, as they set important milestones in Florida’s history. I am trying to take my artistic work beyond Florida so that people can know it and realize that in Florida there is an artist named Machuty,” he emphasized. 

“I feel honored that my family is part of Florida’s history, and I am certain that I will continue creating and sharing my artistic work,” he concluded. 

All that remains is to affirm what was said at the beginning: “small town, great artists.”