THE BEGINNING OF A TRIBUTE
CELEBRATING AN ICON
Created in celebration of the centennial of Celia Cruz, this artistic tribute brings together a body of work by Cuban artist Esteban Machado Díaz honoring the life, presence and extraordinary cultural legacy of the Queen of Salsa.
Through painting, Machado moves beyond portraiture to explore Celia as an enduring symbol of music, identity, joy and Cuban culture. Presented by Roselle Gallery, the project continues to evolve through exhibitions and cultural encounters, keeping Celia’s memory in dialogue with contemporary art.
THE CENTENNIAL TRIBUTE · 2025
HONORING CELIA'S LEGACY
In 2025, Roselle Gallery presented a special exhibition honoring the Centennial of Celia Cruz, developed in collaboration with Omer Pardillo Cid and the Celia Cruz Foundation.
Featuring a body of work by Cuban artist Esteban Machado Díaz, the exhibition traced Celia’s remarkable journey through a contemporary visual language from her Cuban roots and musical beginnings to her enduring presence as a global cultural icon.
More than a portrait of an extraordinary artist, the project became a visual celebration of memory, identity, migration, music and the unmistakable spirit of the Queen of Salsa.
THE JOURNEY
A TRIBUTE THAT CONTINUES TO EVOLVE
What began as an artistic tribute to the Centennial of Celia Cruz has continued to evolve through exhibitions, cultural encounters and new creative expressions.
From intimate presentations to emblematic Miami venues, each chapter has brought the works into dialogue with new audiences while preserving the memory, identity and extraordinary cultural legacy at the heart of the project.
SEPTEMBER 27 · 2025
VISIONS OF HERITAGE
An intimate encounter where art, memory and Latin identity came together, Visions of Heritage featured a special tribute to the Centennial of Celia Cruz through a powerful selection of works by Cuban artist Esteban Machado Díaz.
Rich in rhythm, color and Afro-Caribbean symbolism, the works celebrated Celia’s extraordinary legacy and enduring presence, while the presentation also paid homage to Tito Puente, creating a visual dialogue between two icons of Caribbean music.
Presented by Roselle Gallery, the evening reflected the gallery’s ongoing commitment to bringing Latin American art into meaningful cultural conversations.
OCTOBER 11 · 2025
CELIA CRUZ AT THE FREEDOM TOWER
At Miami’s iconic Freedom Tower, Roselle Gallery joined a landmark celebration commemorating the Centennial of Celia Cruz and the 72nd anniversary of Diario Las Américas.
For this special occasion, Roselle Gallery presented two works by Cuban artist Esteban Machado Díaz created in tribute to the Queen of Salsa, bringing contemporary art into dialogue with Celia’s extraordinary cultural legacy.
The presentation became a gathering point throughout the evening, connecting art, memory and community in one of Miami’s most emblematic cultural landmarks.
FREEDOM TOWER · MIAMI · 2025
A CULTURAL TRIBUTE IN THE HEART OF MIAMI
Presented at Miami’s historic Freedom Tower, the Centennial tribute brought Esteban Machado Díaz’s works into a space deeply connected to Cuban memory and identity.
During the exhibition, artists, cultural figures and guests gathered around the works, creating moments of encounter, remembrance and celebration inspired by Celia Cruz’s enduring legacy.
EDITORIAL FEATURE · 2025
FEATURED IN CARITATE MAGAZINE
As part of its special edition commemorating the Centennial of Celia Cruz, Caritate Magazine featured Roselle Gallery among its cultural and artistic content dedicated to celebrating the enduring legacy of the Queen of Salsa.
The feature became another chapter in the journey of the Centennial tribute, extending the project beyond the exhibition space and into a broader cultural conversation around Celia’s memory, identity and extraordinary influence.
THE ARTWORKS
A VISUAL TRIBUTE TO CELIA CRUZ
At the heart of the project is a body of work by Cuban artist Esteban Machado Díaz, created as a visual tribute to Celia Cruz and her extraordinary cultural legacy.
Through each composition, the artist explores different dimensions of Celia’s story her music, identity, memory and enduring connection to Cuba and the Caribbean.
The Queen
Esteban Machado Díaz
Acrylic on canvas
180 × 140 cm | 70.9 × 55.1 in
2024
Like a goddess
ESTEBAN MACHADO DÍAZ
Acrylic on canvas
120 × 150 cm | 47.2 × 59.1 in
2024
Like a wave
ESTEBAN MACHADO DÍAZ
Acrylic on canvas
150 × 100 cm | 59.1 × 39.4 in
2024
Tribute to Celia
ESTEBAN MACHADO DÍAZ
Acrylic on canvas
120 × 150 cm | 47.2 × 59.1 in
2024
Night of Stars
ESTEBAN MACHADO DÍAZ
Mixed media on canvas
140 × 180 cm | 55.1 × 70.9 in
2024
Soul to Soul
ESTEBAN MACHADO DÍAZ
Mixed media on canvas
140 × 180 cm | 55.1 × 70.9 in
2025
New York, a stage of triumph
ESTEBAN MACHADO DÍAZ
Mixed media on canvas
140 × 140 cm | 55.1 × 55.1 in
2025
BEYOND THE CANVAS
WHEN ART BECOMES A PLACE TO GATHER
Sharing with Celia extends the tribute beyond the traditional canvas. Conceived by Esteban Machado Díaz as a tea table, the work transforms painting into a space for encounter, conversation and shared memory.
Celia appears throughout the circular composition surrounded by the tropical imagery and musical references that shape the visual language of the series. Here, the tribute is not only contemplated it becomes a place to gather around her legacy.
SHARING WITH CELIA
ESTEBAN MACHADO DÍAZ
Acrylic on plywood
Tea table
75 × 75 × 75 cm | 29.5 × 29.5 × 29.5 in
2024
Moments
The tribute extended beyond the artworks into encounters, conversations and shared moments around Celia Cruz’s extraordinary legacy.
These images capture some of the people, connections and memories that became part of the project along the way.
A LIVING LEGACY
THE TRIBUTE CONTINUES
What began as an artistic tribute to Celia Cruz has grown into an ongoing celebration of her extraordinary legacy.
Through art, exhibitions, cultural encounters and new collaborations, Roselle Gallery continues to honor a figure whose voice, spirit and unmistakable presence transcend generations and borders.
Celia’s story continues to inspire, and the tribute continues.
OCTOBER 10, 2026 · MIRAMAR, FLORIDA
CELIA VIVE!
A Musical Tribute to Celia Cruz
Miramar Cultural Center
Roselle Gallery joins this special celebration with a curated presentation of four works by Cuban artist Esteban Machado Díaz, continuing the visual tribute created in honor of Celia Cruz and her enduring cultural legacy.
THE MIRAMAR SELECTION
FOUR WORKS · ONE ENDURING LEGACY
Four works by Esteban Machado Díaz come together for this special presentation, offering distinct visual perspectives on Celia Cruz the woman, the artist, the icon and the enduring symbol of a cultural legacy that continues to inspire across generations.
FROM CANVAS TO ARTWEAR
Discover wearable interpretations inspired by Esteban Machado Díaz’s tribute to Celia Cruz.
BE PART OF THE ART
Discover new artworks, exhibitions, artist stories and special releases from Roselle Gallery.