"Olaismo" is a conceptual art movement and term coined by the Cuban-born artist Diango Hernández. The term is derived from the Spanish word "ola", meaning "wave", symbolizing fluidity, movement, and the transient nature of ideas, cultures, and political systems.
Key Aspects of Olaismo:
1. Fluidity & Transformation – Reflects the constant shifts in identity, memory, and cultural narratives, particularly in relation to Hernández's Cuban heritage and diasporic experience.
2. Political & Social Critique – Engages with themes of displacement, nostalgia, and the ideological waves that shape societies (e.g., revolution, migration, globalization).
3. Hybrid Aesthetics – Combines drawing, sculpture, installation, and found objects to create works that feel both personal and universally resonant.
4. Poetic Conceptualism – Blurs the line between art and philosophy, often using fragmented texts, metaphors, and open-ended narratives.
Connection to Hernández’s Work:
Hernández’s art frequently explores loss, belonging, and the reconstruction of history. "Olaismo" serves as a framework for his practice, where waves (ideas, people, time) continuously reshape reality. His works—like "Home" or "The Book of Waves"—embody this concept through ephemeral, layered compositions.
Influence & Legacy:
While not a formal movement with followers, "Olaismo" encapsulates Hernández’s unique approach to art-making, merging personal exile experiences with broader reflections on instability and change in contemporary life.