ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

International Artists Condemn Detention of Tania Bruguera in Cuba

artist · 2026-04-20

Fourteen international artists have publicly denounced the detention and potential legal proceedings against artist Tania Bruguera. Mark Wallinger, Elizabeth Price, Mark Leckey, Jeremy Deller, and Tomma Abts are among those who signed an open letter published in The Guardian. Bruguera, who is Cuban-born and based in both Cuba and the USA, was detained multiple times and had her passport confiscated. These actions followed her plans to stage a performance about free speech in Havana's Revolution Square at the end of last year. The letter argues that Bruguera's work explores the intersection of art and politics, aiming to reveal injustices and the mechanisms of power rather than engage in direct political action. Her performance was intended to highlight social issues and expose protocols that influence human behavior. The artists' collective statement underscores concerns over artistic expression and freedom in Cuba. This public condemnation brings international attention to the case of a prominent artist facing legal challenges.

Key facts

  • Fourteen international artists signed an open letter condemning Tania Bruguera's detention
  • The letter was published in The Guardian
  • Artists include Mark Wallinger, Elizabeth Price, Mark Leckey, Jeremy Deller, and Tomma Abts
  • Tania Bruguera is a Cuban-born artist based in Cuba and the USA
  • Bruguera was detained multiple times and her passport was confiscated
  • The detention followed plans for a performance about free speech in Havana's Revolution Square
  • The performance was scheduled for the end of last year
  • The letter states Bruguera's work addresses art and politics to expose injustices and power mechanisms

Entities

Artists

  • Mark Wallinger
  • Elizabeth Price
  • Mark Leckey
  • Jeremy Deller
  • Tomma Abts
  • Tania Bruguera

Institutions

  • The Guardian

Locations

  • Cuba
  • USA
  • Havana
  • Revolution Square

Sources