Fusterlandia: how Jose Fuster created the surreal mosaic homes of Havana

The kaleidoscope home that transformed a neighbourhood

Dan Lundberg/Flickr

A riot of vibrant colours, quirky mosaics and surrealist sculptures, what may on first glance resemble a children's theme park is, in fact, the home of Cuban artist Jose Fuster. Inspired by the unique designs of Spanish architect Gaudi, Fuster's unusual approach to home design proved infectious with his community on the outskirts of Havana and helped transform an impoverished neighbourhood. Let's step inside the colourful world of Fusterlandia...

The founder of Fusterlandia

Soydcuba/Creative Commons

The genius behind this kaleidoscopic project, Jose Fuster spent time in Europe working on his art before deciding to take his creative ambitions back to his homeland of Cuba. In 1975 he moved to Havana and purchased an unassuming wood house in the town of Jaimanitas. Little did his neighbours know the daring plans he had for the property...

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A typical Cuban home

Heather Shimmin/Shutterstock

Then a run-down and deprived area, the small wooden home that Jose snapped up was most likely modest and compact – the furthest thing from an artistic extravaganza. However, he had big plans for his simple suburban house.

A mosaic makeover

JTang/Shutterstock

An artist who specialised in ceramics, graphic design and engraving, Jose began the creative transformation by decorating the walls with intricate mosaics in bright, vibrant shades. Even in these early stages of design, the house was beginning to differentiate itself from others in the neighbourhood.

Building a dreamscape

Joe Ross/Flickr

Fuster’s mosaic creations grew over time, inspired by Caribbean Cuban aesthetics and 'naive' art, which draws on childlike shapes and bright primary colours. He branched out to create larger sculptural pieces while his neighbours no doubt watched on in wonder.

An artistic playground

Joe Ross/Flickr

With the artistic project expanding beyond the house to include a park, Jose added larger statues and incorporated colourful Cuban iconography. Elaborate displays like this one have helped earn Jose the nickname of the Picasso of the Caribbean but the famous Cubist artist wasn’t Fuster’s main influence.

Homage to Gaudi

Dan Lundberg/Flickr

In case there was any doubt as to who the main source of inspiration was, there is a dedication to famed surrealist architect Antonio Gaudi at the entrance. With its colourful mosaic designs and organic sculptures, Fusterlandia has more than a touch of Park Guell about it.

A creative neighbourhood

Dan Lundberg/Flickr

In many towns, this type of unorthodox architecture would have a community up in arms but not here. Fuster offered to decorate his neighbours' homes and businesses too and his soon his designs took over the town. This is the doctor’s surgery – definitely the coolest medical centre we've seen!

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All hands on deck

Joe Ross/Flickr

Buoyed on by his neighbours’ support, it seems Fuster’s vision had no boundaries. Elements of local folk history combine with tropical motifs such as palm trees, covering almost every surface in the neighbourhood. It’s not just Jose at work either – sometimes the neighbours themselves get creative, with the project inspiring a whole new generation of artists.

The artist at home

Joe Ross/Flickr

While the mosaic wonderland has encompassed almost all of the town, the centrepiece of Fusterlandia undoubtedly remains the artist's studio and home, Taller-Estudio José Fuster. With visitors free to wander around, some are even lucky enough to see Jose at work.

Patriotic touches

Joe Ross/Flickr

While the dreamy designs are surreal, they're also very much rooted in their location – look out for Cuban mantras adorning the walls along with murals of famous revolutionaries and flags.

A neighbourhood transformed

Joe Ross/Flickr

Fuster's artwork has been embraced by the whole town and what was once just a quirky house has become an artistic community. Over a decade, mosaics have appeared across bus stops, benches, gateways and fountains, not to mention countless shopfronts and residential homes.

No end in sight

Joe Ross/Flickr

Aside from being a super cool neighbourhood, Fusterlandia, which includes over 80 houses, is a vast art project that's constantly growing. Having enjoyed a successful career, Jose uses proceeds from his art to fund the continuation of the project.

A cultural landmark

ptcm_photography/Instagram

While it may look unlike any other town in the world, Fusterlandia reflects the artistic vibrancy of the Cuban culture, joining the country's other colourful icons, such as their famously bright retro cars.

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Community first

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As well as being a feast for the eyes, Fuster’s neighbourhood incorporates a whole host of colourful social spaces including terraces and benches that help to foster a strong sense of community.

Rejuvenating a town

Joe Ross/Flickr

Using money he makes from selling artwork, not only does Fuster help fund the work on his neighbours’ homes but he has also built public pools and other community facilities that improve the lives of residents in this low-income area.

Whimsical world

Joe Ross/Flickr

The childlike imagery and larger-than-life designs can't help but spark wonder in residents and visitors alike. Fusterlandia is a playground for the imagination – here the everyday landscape of life collides with a fantastical and enchanting world.

Elevating the ordinary

Dan Lundberg/Flickr

Once a rather austere gateway, Jose has transformed this simple streetscape into a pastoral paradise, using multicoloured mosaics to create a tropical landscape, complete with a shining sun.

Colourful community

Cuba Candela/Instagram

For homes in Fusterlandia, colourful patterned facades are the norm. This bold exterior pairs lime green with blood red and warm orange for a look that perfectly channels the carnival spirit. If you look closely, you can just make out a goat and two brightly-adorned figures.

A creative tapestry

Joe Ross/Flickr

Made up of shards of ceramics, there's a whole host of images hidden in the mosaics, from mermaids and palm trees to saints, as well as quotations from some of Fuster’s favourite writers: Alejo Carpentier, Onelio Jorge Cardoso, and Ernest Hemingway.

Accessible art

Peterbofelli/Instagram

While the town remains a residential hub, Fusterlandia has morphed into something of a living art gallery. It's free for anyone to visit, a sort of Disneyland for bohemians if you like.

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Social celebration

Joe Ross/Flickr

While Fuster has had to fend off accusations that the town is an exercise in self-glorification, he remains unfazed. He told Havana Cultura: “This project is not only about my house. It’s about my neighbours’ houses. My neighbours are great people.” The Artists’ Wall here is just one place where other creatives are celebrated.

A creative commune

Dan Lundberg/Flickr

Today, Fusterlandia is a haven for artists, as well as being a popular stop-off for tourists and Instagrammers who come to marvel at the colourful displays. Most importantly though, it's still home to a tight-knit residential community.

Reawakening a community

Dan Lundberg/Flickr

A mishmash of design influences, Fusterlandia is a thrilling example of how architecture can revitalise communities and breathe new life into struggling towns. What was once a forgotten and downtrodden part of Cuba, is now a vibrant mecca for the arts.

When can we move in?

Dan Lundberg/Flickr

In comparison, our homes suddenly feel rather sensible and boring. Do you think our neighbours would mind if we followed suit? Failing that, we may just have to move in ourselves!

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