I was a tourist, a voyeur, a photographer and at times uneasy in that role.
A visit to Cuba is a surreal overlap of eras. Before communism Havana was an art deco playground for those who could afford it. In 1959 most of the rich fled and the needy moved in; it was a cultural revolution. The ornamented 19th-century buildings fell into decay. Today the detailed concrete is stained and cracking, plaster falls from ceilings, windows are replaced with cardboard. It is an era of make do: it is a photographer’s paradise.
Cuba is poor but resourceful, proud, educated and talented. The bones of these architectural gems are slowly being restored … bit by bit. I felt a sense of guilt being on the outside looking in seeing beautiful black and white composition, when those within the walls no doubt did not had the same privilege.
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