London Biennale

Reinold Medina

Waiting for the Dawn

Waiting for the Dawn by Reinold Medina, Oil on canvas, 2023

Selected for the 2025 London Art Biennale, Cuba. Oil on canvas, 2023. 91.44×121.92.

The rooster waiting for dawn symbolizes anticipation and preparation for a new beginning, representing the struggle for freedom and justice. As the rooster waits to sing at dawn, it embodies the desire for freedom of expression and the celebration of a new life. This motif is mirrored in the people, who yearn to express themselves and celebrate their identity and culture. The connection between the rooster and the people lies in their shared aspiration for freedom, justice and self-expression, with the rooster serving as a symbol of hope and inspiration.

Reinold Medina, born in Matanzas, Cuba in 1964, studied at the prestigious Wilfredo Lam Professional Academy of Arts. Medina’s work showcases his versatility, with some pieces blending realism and impressionism to create captivating works that feature bold colors and meticulous attention to detail. His paintings have been featured in solo and group exhibitions in Cuba and Miami, as well as in art fairs, and are displayed in various Cuban institutions. Notably, one of his works was acquired by the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora in Miami in 2024.