Stephen Hall

Artist Statement

Stephen K Hall
Cuba 2014-2016: A Photographic Essay

The images exhibited here were made in Cuba during the final years of Fidel Castro?s life during his brother Raul ?s rule as President of Cuba. The warming of diplomatic relations under President Barack Obama improved access to the embargoed island for Americans and I was fortunate to have visited 15 of the 16 provinces of the island over a three-year period, spending 2-3 weeks photographing during each of three visits.
Cuba is a land of stark contrasts and sublime beauty. Its people are welcoming and extraordinarily generous, allowing me to photograph without restriction. Hoped for access to several desired government-run, non-military venues , however, was repeatedly denied, highlighting the dichotomy that persists between the government and its free-spirited, engaging people.
The prints displayed here, a small portion of the images made over nearly eight weeks in country, are intended to provide a glimpse into the world of ordinary Cubans as they go about their daily lives in a would-be egalitarian society that is strong on universal education and accessible health care, but short on the material comforts enjoyed by the Europeans and Americans fortunate enough to visit.
I welcome the viewer to engage with the exhibited images; and if as a consequence you come away with an enhanced appreciation for and greater insight into the character of Cuba?s diverse people and the challenges they face to survive with grace under a government struggling to provide basic human needs, then this exhibit has been a success