Cubanism: The Re-invention Revolution

In part one of my "ism" Series I present a photographic exploration of Cuba focusing on the re-invention of the country during this prolific transformation and change. Focusing on  the creative artists, performers, dancers, musicians and influencers of culture. Who have been isolated on the island as a result of the decades-long economic and cultural sanctions placed upon the country. 

Shot three weeks after Fidel Castro's death, the series aims to document and create a photographic narrative, highlighting the theme of Cuba’s rapidly emerging and immensely diverse pop culture.  Examining microcosms of Cuban culture and focusing on the  re-invention of the country through the creative gatekeepers of Cuban popular culture. Capturing the essence of post revolution Cuba that is  transitioning into the dawning of a new era.

The documentation of this transformation is a creative perspective as opposed to a political one. Photographing environmental portraits of  the emerging and long standing creative artists, musicians. Documenting unique cuban street life. Providing a window to glimpse into this extra ordinary country and its culture.

The following regions were documented.

Havana: ,(the capital city of Cuba and artistic creative hub)

Cienfuegos: (the pearl of the south, the paris of Cuba),

Trinadad: (Spanish colonial settlement where the clock stopped ticking in the 1850’s)

Santa Clara: (a city of new trends and insatiable creativity, where an edgy youth culture has been testing the boundaries of Cuba’s censorship policies for years)

Vinales: (when you spy a cigar-chewing guajiro driving his oxen and ploughing through a rust-coloured tobacco field, you know that you must be within striking distance of Viñales)