Cuba Mixed Media

By 2016, during President Barack Obama’s second term, relationships between the US and Cuba improved. Cubans living in America had a greater ability to visit Cuba. My husband and I visited Havana in April 2017. My father was surprised that I was going back to visit after he tried so hard to get us out of there. I needed to know how Cuba was and if I still belonged. I was deeply impressed by the poverty I saw and the thin yet buoyant appearance of the people. My photographs, which are parts of this body of work documented the decay of structures, buildings, cities. I documented the tenderness, resilience, and hope of my fellow Cubans. My emotional relationship with Cuba, communism, and how I am part of this is complex. Thus, for much of this work I chose mixed media to express the layering of thoughts, memories and feelings.

The money that travelers bring to Cuba goes primarily to the government and those involved in the tourist industry. It does not trickle down to the common people or the elderly. Sadly, every one lies a little, steals a little, and gives and or accepts bribes in order to survive.

All Cuban citizens publicly praise the great qualities of the revolution, regardless of their private dissatisfaction. Individuals in each block monitor and report on the activities of the people. This keeps everyone on fearful guard and encourages that most maintain the same level of poverty while remaining dependent on the government. This leads to inability to express discontent publicly or in protests.

At the end I was awed by the resilience, humor, and beauty of the people, but I left deeply disappointed by the farce of communist rhetoric, and the systemic physical and moral damage it has inflicted on my country, the people, and its structures.

I find that I no longer belong there and I find it interesting that it took a long time to feel that I belong here in America and embrace my wholeness.