The Cuban artist collective Los Carpinteros (The Carpenters) was formed in 1992 and has since produced some of the most important contemporary art in Latin America. Originally comprised of Marco Castillo, Dagoberto Rodriguez and Alexandre Arrechea (who left the group in June 2003), the trio abandoned the concept of individual authorship and instead worked in the tradition of guild and artisan workshops. Their technically sophisticated drawings and sculptures are primarily inspired by design and architectural constructions, such as desks, chairs, armoires and other pieces of furniture. In illustrating seemingly banal objects, Los Carpinteros comment on materialism, highlighting the practicality as well as the uselessness of the depicted objects.
signed, titled, inscribed and dated ""el pueblo." Los Carpinteros La Hab 2004" lower center watercolor and graphite on paper 45 x 94 3/4 in. (114.3 x 240.7 cm.) Executed in 2004.