In the aftermath of recent musical and baseball exchanges between Cuba and the United States, the works of Cuban artist Manuel Mendive are for sale in Coral Gables starting today.

But in the context of the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba, questions have been raised as to whether Mendive's one-man show at Gary Nader Fine Arts, 3306 Ponce de Leon Blvd., is a cultural act or a commercial transaction.

The works will be sold on consignment, with prices ranging between $8,000 and $25,000. Gary Nader Fine Art will receive a commission for the sales; the rest of the money will be deposited in a bank in Spain, where Mendive is represented by the Guaita Gallery on the island of Majorca.

Mendive can sell his works in the United States because the 1963 law imposing a trade embargo against Cuba, as modified by the Berman Amendment of 1989, exempts artistic creations. Monetary restrictions do not apply because payments are not made directly to institutions or individuals in Cuba.

Exhibitor Joan Guaita said his connection with the painter should not be ruled by American laws.

``Ours is a relationship in the Spanish style. For me, art cannot be conditioned by political and legal issues,'' he said.

Gary Nader, the gallery's director, said the Mendive show is an exceptional opportunity to display ``the cultural patrimony that belongs to the Cuban people and extends to other parts of the world.

``There's a strong market in Miami, with works by [Rene] Portocarrero, [Mario] Carreño, Amelia Pelaez and Mariano Rodriguez that are sold for thousands of dollars at auction houses. And the buyers are Cuban exiles,'' he said.

Nader added that his role in the presentation of Mendive's works should not be construed as support for the Cuban government.

Elsewhere in Coral Gables, Jose Martinez Cañas, director of Elite Fine Art, 3140 Ponce de Leon Blvd., has a different attitude.

``I won't represent or sell the works of artists who live in Cuba because I would be helping the Castro government in a business transaction,'' he said.

Mendive's show also was questioned in Washington, where Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, said that ``the Clinton administration is wrongly interpreting that exemption, thus allowing alleged cultural exchanges to become a business for the Cuban regime.''

Mendive, 54, said he doesn't understand ``laws or paperwork or politics. I do know about flora, fauna and Santeria, and I know that the most beautiful law is to love life.''

Eleven years ago, his painting The Peacock was burned on a street of Little Havana by an anti-Castro exile who bought it earlier for $500.