The piece “Cuba” (2017–2022) is a powerful and symbolic artwork by Gabriela Reyna, composed of hundreds of broken or used wristwatches sewn onto a straight-cut dress tailored to the artist’s own measurements. These watches were collected over time, donated by friends or acquired from watch shops in Havana. The resulting garment is heavy—both physically, due to the metal watches, and metaphorically, as it explores the burden of time, memory, and resistance in the Cuban context.

The dress is more than a sculptural piece—it’s a living performance. In November 2023, Reyna wore “Cuba” during an uninterrupted 24-hour performance held at the Fondation Brownstone in Paris, embodying the country through a sustained act of endurance and presence. This marked the first time the work was activated in a performative context.

Curated by Laura Salas Redondo, the performance was supported by the Espuela de Plata Grant from the Fundación Mariano Rodríguez, in collaboration with the Brownstone Foundation. The event also coincided with the closing of the duo exhibition “Memoria Oculta” featuring artists Alejandro Campins and Yanelis Mora.

The work was previously displayed in Paris between February and July 2023, thanks to an invitation from the fashion brand Eminente. The November performance concluded with a public cocktail event co-hosted by Eminente.