2nd Place winner
Julio
DESCRIPTION
'Julio' sheds light on a journey through contemporary Cuba, spanning from east to west, crossing the entire country.Due to its geographical location, the island has a tumultuous political and social history. Since the 1960s, after the revolution led by Castro, the nation proclaimed itself a socialist state. This decision led to ongoing tensions with the United States that are palpable to this day. The island finds itself isolated from much of the outside world in various ways.
For decades, the country has managed to endure. However, as of 2023, the challenges of sustaining the nation's livability have been steadily growing. The impact of the coronavirus crisis and the position of ally Russia have further compounded Cuba's issues. Tourism has dwindled, and hotels stand vacant.
How does the nation experience this impasse of unprecedented economic scarcity?
The fascination with what makes Cuba uniquely Cuban—the explosion of colors and vibrancy—is explored during a journey spanning several weeks. How do the inhabitants of this island experience a silenced isolation?
Through 'Julio,' we attempt to capture the delicate line between life and survival, one that is trodden upon every day with the utmost care.
AUTHOR
As a forty-something, artistically, several ponds were swum through. As a self-taught artist, an ever-growing archive was built up over the years. Travel photography is preferred. People and learning to understand their culture fascinates me enormously. Professionally, I share this knowledge as a teacher of ethics and aesthetics in a secondary school. I travel during the holidays. Often alone, sometimes in a small group. The camera is then my friend to make contact with the local population. 