THIS ARTWORK IS BY JORGE HIDALGO PIMENTEL, AN ARTIST WHO WILL BE FEATURED AT THE MARCH 26 SHOW AT PITTSBURGH WINERY | COURTESY DEL CAIMAN

For Rafael Migoyo, president of the Cuban art platform Del Caiman, the environment is an important part of presenting artwork. Getting it out of a white-wall gallery and into the home atmosphere has been the objective of past Del Caiman events, which took place at Migoyo’s home alongside carefully curated Spotify playlists.

Migoyo is passionate about the connection between viewer and artwork. He likes to explore that connection with attendees, almost like a matchmaker, by fostering and exploring relationships formed with the art. 

“They love the process of discovering an artwork for the first time,” Migoyo says about his clients. “Learning about it, exploring its depths, and then going home and seeing how it turns their house into a home,” is what drives Migoyo to bring people together with artwork that speaks to them.

RAFAEL MIGOYO | PHOTO BY EMMAI ALAQUIVA

He’s aiming to enhance the art salon experience by incorporating both taste and live music with the help of Pittsburgh Winery and Lucas Bowman, keyboardist of Pittsburgh band The Commonheart. The art and music event on March 26 at Pittsburgh Winery’s cellar stage in the Strip District promises to be a “celebration of creativity” of Cuban artists. 

Bowman, who also is Cuban, has composed five original pieces of music to accompany the five pieces of art on display; the music will be performed by Bowman and others.

The idea of an art show accompanied by live music was tossed around between the two for a while, but Migoyo hadn’t found the opportunity to make it a reality until now.

After discussing some shared musical influences, Bowman previewed the artwork. Migoyo stresses that authenticity is an important part of the creative process, and wanted Bowman to interpret the work based on his own emotional response. Since then, Migoyo’s been hands-off. 

“The requirement was authenticity and skill and ability. I knew he could deliver that. So I give him the trust,” Migoyo says. 

For Bowman, working alone is an exciting change of pace that isn’t without its pressures. Though influenced by Cuban music he grew up listening to, Bowman tries not to go into the composition of a piece with a specific style in mind. This leads to dabbling in a variety of genres, including improvisation. 

“As a rule, when I’m composing a piece I try to let the music speak for itself. I want it to tell me where it’s going,” Bowman says. 

Deadlines are daunting, especially for a larger body of work, but Bowman works well with them. He finds the pressure of a deadline creates a different energy in the composition as opposed to writing with no set end date. It’s also helpful to avoid overthinking. 

The total creative free rein differs from working collaboratively with The Commonheart, where differences of musical opinion can sometimes arise and decisions have to be made.

“Sometimes, other people are right,” he says laughing.

Tickets are available online as well as on the day of the event. The event is 21+, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and music beginning at 8 p.m. The cost of admission also includes a glass of wine.