Desconstructing Santiago’s Colors
In 1986, the Office for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments was established in Santiago de Cuba, marking the beginning of a process to revitalize the city's historic downtown. This initiative focused on Enramadas Street, the longest Heritage Corridor in Cuba, aiming to consolidate the traditional central system and its interconnection axes. Over time, this effort transformed the architectural, urban, and cultural landscape of Santiago, with significant improvements to main arteries like Enramadas, historic landmarks like the Imperial Hotel, and public spaces like Plaza de Marte. The city underwent a noticeable change, becoming more vibrant and colorful.
Deconstructing Santiago's Colors captures this transformation, reflecting the essence, uniqueness, culture, and identity of Santiago through its vibrant hues. Each image is a testament to the city's evolving character, captured during numerous visits to my birthplace. I explore Santiago's colors as a visual and thematic focal point, using them to establish connections and contrasts within the series. This process involves patience and critical observation, waiting for the perfect moment when color, light, framing, and composition align.
Whether familiar with Santiago or not, I hope this series serves as a window into the city's blend of tradition and modernity, offering a glimpse into the idiosyncrasy and social culture of eastern Cuba. Through these images, viewers can appreciate the everyday scenes, the rhythm of life in Santiago, and the vibrant colors that define this 'hot land' of Cuba.
