Eyes on Havana: Chromatic Life
By Ida Harris
On a larger stage, one might not wonder what a United States President, an international rock band, or a Mississippi-born photographer have in common. Yet, in this context, the thought is plausible. The broad observation is that each occupied Cuba within the same week. A more focused awareness is that President Obama and the Rolling Stones were making history: the president extending a diplomatic olive branch; the musicians, hosting a free concert – both initiatives are departures from the political norm associated with a communist Cuba, though each is negotiated from its respective (privileged) space. However, a deeper reveal is disseminated through the work of Terrell Clark, whose goal is to place curious eyes on Havana by bringing way more to the table than mere historic moment and by connecting onlookers to Havana’s past, its people, and its presence. Armed with sophisticated Fuji and Nikon film cameras and Kodac ektar and Fuji e6 (slide film), Mr. Clark captures hue, taste, texture, and skin. He serves the bones of Havana from the ground up. Through Eyes on Havana: Chromatic Life, the viewers will experience walk and journey, pride and performance, life and style in such a visceral way, it will be difficult to discern whether all eyes are on Havana or if Havana’s eyes are actually on the viewer. Stay Tuned. There’s more to come. I promise.
