Dec. 27 2017 | Annenberg Space For Photography // Cuba Is |

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The first rainfall had hit Los Angeles on a Wednesday, unfavorable weather to the lovers of the warmth (extreme warmth) which Southern California inherits. 

I, on the other hand, enticed by the gloom of the weather and moody humans made my way to the Annenberg Space for Photography in Downtown Los Angeles. 

This creative space holds the photography of freelancers that test their skills in uncomfortable situations or new areas. 

Photographers such as Elliot Erwitt, Leysis Quesada, Raúl Cañibano, and Tria Giovan explored the culture of the Cuban island, whether if the subjects or areas were on or off the island. 

The Cuban culture was photographed in over 120 photos by a variety of photographers other than the ones previously listed.

The rebellious youth of Cuba known as "Los Frikis" and "Chonga girls" were the highlighted subjects of the exhibits due to the current reality of Cuba in which youth direct themselves to alcohol abuse, and prostitution. 

Social issues about the LGBTQ was exhibited through the photo series of Claudia Gonzalez. She photographed two transgender individuals before and after their hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery. 

Although photographs weren't allowed in the space; notes were the only way to jot down the various photographers and the theme they highlighted in their photo series:

(Bolded artists "wooed" me with their work)

Michael Christopher Brown
- Youth and marginal youth culture: late 1980's
- The term "friki" derived from the word freaky; described young people who listened to punk rock, abused drugs, and sported long hair
- Captures marginalized youth 
- Photography notes: depth of field, lighting and angles; focuses on substances--drugs and alcohol.

Carolina Sandretto
- Focuses on the communal and domestic spaces
- "Solares" are communal and domestic spaces that are unable to accommodate the booming populations. 
- Photography notes: composition, depth of field, and lighting; focuses on objects and items

Hermes Mallea and Adrián Fernandez
- Capture the homes of the bourgeoisie and the houses which were confiscated during Castro's regime
- Photography notes: wide lenses and lighting; not big fan of still life photos

Michael Dweck
- Followed the privileged crowd to capture the expensive hobbies and carefree lives
- Photography notes: young folks, "Sugar Daddy" photos; Black and white photography 

Leysisi Quesada Vera
- Ballet Photos
- Shadow/ Black Lighting, composition
- Rural background with ballerinas indicates the beauty of dance

Elliot Erwitt
- Cuban life- La Colonia
- Black and White photography
- Beautiful! Beautiful portrait of a woman framed by a window panel

Tria Giovan
- First half of 1900's which captures the cuban life and brings great emphasis to color
- Intimate view- Beauty salon photo... beautiful!

Claudia Gonzalez
- Captures the sexual revolution in Cuba
- In 2008, Transgender individuals have been able to go through hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery. 
- Although, same-sex marriage isn't recognized or civil unions
- Photography notes: Before and after pics of two transgender individuals

Henry Eric Hernandez and Maryse Goudrew 
- Photographed the "Chonga" girls in the place in which they prostitute themselves 
- The series is to denounce child prostitution and highlight how the socialist policies haven't changed anything 
- Notes about the Chonga aesthetic: heavy makeup, long fingernails, oversized men's shirt, white pants, and large hoops.
- Motive of "Chonga" girls is to get swooped by a tourist to take them out of Cuba

René Peña
- Self photographed in white apparel to show the racism that is still apparent in Cuba 
- "He/She had to be black" 
- Encouraged to marry white individuals because it will "clean" the "dark race"
- Beautiful photos!

The Cuban communist group favored Ernesto Che Guevara, a thought process prominent in both the "Friki" and "Chonga" girls.


"We will be like Che [Guevara!]," is a statement known to be popular in these "pioneer" communities.

The Annenberg Space for Photography's exhibit of "Cuba Is" reveals the unforeseen areas of Cuba and reminds individuals of the economic well-being of an island with rich culture. 

Sources: 










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