This collection of photographs documents a transformative research trip to Cuba in 2017, specifically focusing on Havana, its outskirts, and the colonial city of Trinidad. As a Cuban-American raised in Miami, this journey represented a long-held desire to experience the island firsthand and grapple with the complex history and emotions that bind me to it.

For two years prior to the trip, I had been immersed in research on hybridized religions, particularly those practiced in the Cuban diaspora. This academic pursuit through ethnography fueled my yearning to connect with the source of these traditions and understand the lived experiences that shaped them. My family, however, expressed disapproval of my visit, reflecting the lingering tensions and prejudices that permeate the Cuban-American community in Miami. Despite their reservations, I felt an undeniable pull towards Cuba, driven by a need to form my own understanding of my heritage.

The photographs in this collection are not simply visual representations; they are tools for documentation and emotional expression. They capture the immediacy of the moment, allowing me to revisit and relive the experiences that shaped my understanding of Cuba. Through the still image, I aim to share a unique perspective on the island and its people, offering a glimpse into the beauty, resilience, and complexity of Cuban life.