Lam was a Cuban-born artist, who is known for incorporating Cubism, Surrealism, “primitivism,” Négritude (Black Identity), Afro-Cuban history and the African-derived Santería religion into his art.

He who sought to portray and revive the enduring Afro-Cuban spirit and culture. Inspired by and in contact with some of the most renowned artists of the twentieth century, Lam melded his influences and created a unique style, which was ultimately characterized by the prominence of hybrid figures.