Fatshimetrie is a photographic practice that captures the imagination and arouses curiosity. By exploring images of Cuba before the Revolution and during the colonial period, we are immersed in a journey through time, allowing us to glimpse the rich and eventful history of this Caribbean island.
The period images transport us to a fascinating Cuba, tinged with Spanish influence and indigenous traditions. The photographs evoke a bygone era, when the alleys of Havana resonated with the echoes of daily life, bustling markets, wild dancing and religious rituals.
The shots immortalize the faces of the inhabitants, silent witnesses of a tumultuous era marked by the struggle for independence and the quest for freedom. Each image tells a story, highlighting the resilience and pride of the Cuban people in the face of adversity.
The natural beauty of the island, with its fine sand beaches and lush vegetation, contrasts with the vestiges of colonization and the scars of history. The ruins of former sugar plantations are reminders of the brutal exploitation of African slaves, while the colorful facades of colonial buildings illustrate Cuba’s unique architectural heritage.
As we look through these images, we realize that Cuba is much more than a popular tourist destination. It is a country marked by the struggle for independence, resistance to oppression, and the quest for social justice. Each photo is a window into the past, inviting reflection and contemplation.
Today, as Cuba emerges from a time of political and social upheaval, these archival images take on particular significance. They remind us of the importance of preserving collective memory and celebrating the cultural heritage of this unique island.
Exploring images of pre-Revolutionary and colonial Cuba through the lens of Fatshimetria reveals a visual legacy of inestimable richness. Each photo is a testimony to Cuba’s complex and fascinating history, an invitation to delve into the twists and turns of the past to better understand the present.