Image trip to Cuba, between crisis and pride

A photography exhibition titled Patria o Muerte - Voci da un'isola che resiste opened in Rome, showcasing images taken during Italian photojournalist Valerio Bispuri’s recent trip to Cuba. The exhibit, curated by Tempi Moderni and held in the Sala Santa Rita from September 9 to 27, features 33 photographs divided into four thematic sections. These images were captured during Bispuri's journey through the island from June to July this year, beginning in Havana, moving to Santiago, and continuing into eastern regions. Unlike traditional portrayals of Cuba, often associated with vintage American cars, pastel colors, music from local venues, and colonial-era buildings, the exhibition focuses on the everyday lives of Cubans. Bispuri deliberately avoided idealized depictions, instead emphasizing the realities faced by ordinary citizens. His work highlights the challenges of daily life, including the accumulation of waste along Havana streets where children play, the modest interiors of homes, and the rugged landscapes of eastern Cuba. The exhibition captures both the struggles and the resilience of Cuban society. Bispuri explains that his approach to storytelling through photography involves deep engagement with subjects, understanding gestures, expressions, and movements. This method has been central to his previous reporting and continues to shape the visual narrative of the current show. The images reflect a Cuba shaped by economic hardship, scarcity of basic goods, isolation, and shifting social dynamics, yet they also reveal a persistent emotional connection to national identity and revolutionary history. The photographs document a nation grappling with one of its most severe crises in recent memory. Economic difficulties have led to shortages of essential items, while social changes continue to reshape communities. Despite these hardships, there remains a strong sense of belonging among many Cubans, rooted in their historical ties to the revolution and its ideals. Bispuri’s images capture this duality, showing both the tangible signs of struggle and the enduring spirit of the people. The exhibition was promoted and supported by the Rome Capital Department of Cultural Activities. It aims to offer a nuanced portrayal of contemporary Cuba, beyond the stereotypes often perpetuated in media. By focusing on human experiences rather than aesthetic or nostalgic elements, Bispuri provides a more authentic representation of life on the island today. His work invites viewers to consider how individuals navigate adversity while maintaining cultural pride and historical awareness. The exhibition is expected to draw attention to the complex realities facing Cuba, offering a platform for dialogue about the country’s ongoing transformation. As visitors engage with the photographs, they will encounter a multifaceted portrait of a nation striving to balance survival with dignity. Through Bispuri’s lens, Cuba emerges not just as a place of hardship, but as a space where resilience and identity persist despite overwhelming challenges.