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Contemporary Cuban Photography

Photography is special art providing possibility for the artist to express his way of world apprehension for other people. Its unique chance to make immediate reflection of what is going of around.

One of the most famous Cuban photographers is Alberto Korda. The most prominent his work is Guerrillero Heroico (in English: Heroic Guerrilla). This is iconic photo taken on the 5th March 1960 depicting legendary Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara. This photography played important role in transformation of this controversial and magnetic leader into cultural icon. According to Korda, during shooting this photo he was focused on the facial expression of Che Guevara showing complete implacability, therefore the photo is so emotional; it expresses his courageous character. It is one of the most recognizable photos of XX century. Theme of womans beauty plays important role in his works; besides, he was personal photographer and friend of Fidel Castro. Therefore theme of revolution is brightly expressed in his works. Almost every his photo for revolutionary theme can be considered as symbol of revolution.

Raul Corrales Fornos also was one of the personal photographers of Fidel Castro. The main themes of his works are revolution and everyday life of workers and poor people.

Luis Korda is another important photographer of Cuba promoting revolution theme. His most important photo shows Fidel Castro and Camilo Cienfuegos (1959).

Rene Pena is prominent contemporary Cuban photographer. His works reveals human duality: impossibility to avoid institutionalization and wish to be individual. His photos are characterized by strict contrast between black and white, focused subject and background. Although photos in black and white are the most impressing his works, later he experimented with colour photos and digital camera.

Jose Manuel Fors is well-known all over the world modern Cuban photographer specializing mostly on themes of nature and memory.

Works of Cuban photographer Herman Puig is especially interesting as he was on of the first artists who worked in genre of male nude photography.

Lissette Solorzano also deserves attention among Cuban photographers. She works in black and white style. Most of her photos are taken in the streets revealing actual everyday life of people in Cuba.

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