Cuban hopes

The holidays can only get better when out of the planned exhibition you get…TWO! The Otranto castle is fully enjoying its rebirth after a season of refurbishing work and years in silent search for a new cultural destiny overlooking the seaside town blessed by the gods in these years of peace. Its cool walls are covered by the most caliente pictures permeated with the quintessence of Cuban life thanks to the art of 9 photographers, all Cubans but one (Italian). They present their work, pictures of Cubans, items of their daily life, their DIY miracles, rituals and festivities.

Smiles and inquisitive looks stand out as lights in the night. But sadness is to be sensed behind the veil and is embodied by the quiet and discreet presence of the occasional policeman on the lookout. I feel that these pictures need to be looked at more than once: a first time to grasp their spontaneous message of life and enjoyment; a second time to read between the smiles and dances that match so well the stereotypes of the Island and the « idyllic » way of life of its inhabitants. And while this double reading captivated me, part of my brain was singing Aznavour's wise words: "Il semble que la misère serait moins pénible au soleil"*. Exactly.

A dual world that should be only richer for it…one hopes.

(*It seems that poverty would be less of a burden under the sun)