Cuban Photography’s Captivating Journey at MFAH: Through A Revolutionary Lens

In a groundbreaking exhibition, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) invites you to embark on a photographic odyssey through Cuba's cultural landscape. "Navigating the Waves: Contemporary Cuban Photography," opening September 29, 2024, will showcase the island nation's artistic evolution from the fervor of the 1960s revolution to the nuanced critiques of the present day.

Step into the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building at the MFAH, and prepare to be transported to Cuba through 100 curated works that trace the trajectory of Cuban photography over six decades. The journey begins with the iconic, such as Alberto Korda's ubiquitous portrait of Che Guevara, "Guerrillero Heroico" (1960), and evolves into a complex curation of personal expression and social commentary through contemporary works.

As you wander through the gallery, you'll witness the transformation of Cuban photography from a tool of revolutionary propaganda to a medium of introspection and critique. The exhibition captures the power of art to navigate political tides and economic hardships. It offers a unique perspective on Cuba's journey through the lens of its most talented photographers.

One focus of the exhibition is the exploration of Afro-Cuban heritage and identity that emerges in the post-Soviet era works. Photographers like Juan Carlos Alom and René Peña use the body to form powerful statements on race, gender, and the complexities of Cuban identity. These photographs are visual documentaries that speak volumes about the Cuban experience.

For the fashion visitor, "Navigating the Waves" offers perspective on style and self-expression in a politically charged environment. The exhibition showcases how Cuban photographers have used clothing and the body to make statements and go beyond aesthetics. From the utilitarian fashion of the revolution to the more individualistic expressions of recent years, the evolution of Cuban style is on display as a form of resistance and self-realization.

Thanks to the generosity of Chicago-based collectors Madeleine and Harvey Plonsker, MFAH now hosts an unparalleled collection of post-Revolution Cuban photography. This acquisition elevates the museum to a position of global significance in the realm of Cuban art, making Houston an unexpected epicenter for those seeking to understand rarefied Cuba's visual culture.

"Navigating the Waves" is more than an exhibition; it's a cultural phenomenon that no art lover or social historian should miss. From September 29, 2024, through March 16, 2025, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world where art and politics collide, where personal stories become universal truths, and where the power of photography to shape narratives is on full display.

As you plan your cultural calendar for the coming year, make sure to carve out time for this extraordinary exhibition. "Navigating the Waves: Contemporary Cuban Photography" at MFAH is a journey through time, politics, and artistic expression that promises to leave you changed, challenged, and inspired.

Visit the MFAH website for more details and to plan your visit. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience Cuban photography like never before.