Cuba. Vivir Con
A Family Album
"The human figure is the focus of attention, captured in its individuality and relationships with others; the co-protagonist is the living space, also considered in a two-fold sense, as both a private and public place. Starting with these essential elements the fascinating journey of Carolina Sandretto unfolds within the special world of the so-called solares."
Walter Guadagnini, "Sentimental Portraits" in "Cuba. Vivir Con"
Cuba has been living under the American embargo for the last 64 years. The living conditions due to the embargo are extremely difficult for the population. The regime provides for education and food but people are obliged to live in the same houses as their families as they are not allowed and do not have the means to buy or construct new ones.
During the last six decades people took over old houses once belonging to people now gone or deceased and transformed them into Solar. A Solar is a multifamily and multicultural entity that represents the layers and the complexity of the contemporary Cuban society. Often inhabited by as much as 30 different families, Solar houses in small tiny apartments that once where rooms, all sort of people. From young families to elderly people everyone lives and cohabits in small spaces with almost no privacy.
Thru a series of portrait executed with a medium format camera Carolina intends to documents this Solar and to focus on their inhabitants and their living spaces.
"Cuba. Vivir Con" is now a book published by Silvana Editoriale.
