Wilfredo Lam was born in Sagua La Grande, Cuba in 1902. He moved to Madrid in 1923 where he first came into contact with the European avant-garde and studied the paintings of the Great Masters.  He then travelled to Paris in 1938 where his association with Picasso allowed him to explore African art as well as giving him access to Miró, Tanguy, Tzara, Breton and the complete circle of surrealists. Three years after he relocated permanently to his home country whilst fascism advanced rapidly in Europe and emerged in the Caribbean.