This project, with its focus on the diversity and dignity of young Cubans, was born out of multiple trips to Cuba over twenty-five years, developing relationships, and observing the slow but ever increasing changes and openings that have unfolded, particularly during the last ten years, and especially visible among the latest generations.
When using the term “diversity” and referring to its growth and expansion in Cuba, I am speaking not only of racial and cultural diversity, but also of diversity in terms of gender and identity, sexuality, spirituality, sustainability and inequalities, and how young people express themselves through fashion, communication, work, community, and life on the island. This show, and the book, is a celebration of young Cubans today.
During my visits, in my meetings and interactions, and especially through my photography, I have tried to steer away from political commentary. The intent of this work is to portray the dignity and importance of Cuba’s young citizens, regardless of their place in society, their level of education, their sexual orientation, or their spiritual beliefs. I admire both traditional and new innovative expressions of art and music, employment, communication and media, curricular and extracurricular activities. It is my hope, with this traveling exhibition and book, to give a dignified face to all Cubans and to help promote understanding, mutual-respect, and friendship between the Cuban and American peoples.
It has been a great honor, as well as an adventure for me, to walk the streets of Havana and Holguin, the farmlands and cane fields of Matanzas and Mayabeque; to walk with young LGBT activists in the Gay Pride march, as well as with young Police and Armed Forces cadets in the First of May parade; to walk the halls and visit the classrooms of the University of Havana; to visit hospitals, churches, sports arenas, offices, and factories. Above all, it has been a great privilege for me to visit and interact with everyday young Cubans – in their homes, in their places of work and worship, in their barrios populares, in the streets and on the beach. Muchas gracias, Cuba.
Jonathan Moller:
Jonathan “Jonás” Moller is an award-winning documentary photographer and human rights activist. Since 1991 Moller has worked mostly in Central America (primarily Guatemala), as well as in Peru and Cuba. He is the author of two books on Guatemala, a book about Peru, a book about the diversity of young Cubans today, and his most recent book about Black Lives Matter in 2020.
Moller’s work is in numerous public and private collections, among others the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires, Museo de Arte de Lima, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Museo de Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia, Casa de Las Americas in Havana, and the George Eastman House.
He has been a member of Impact Visuals and Swanstock and his photographs have appeared in numerous magazines and periodicals, including the LIFE 2001 Album: The Year in Pictures, Photo District News, Photo Italia, DoubleTake, and the Cultural Survival Quarterly.
Moller’s photographs have been used by many NGOs in Latin America, the US and Europe for educational and advocacy purposes, from grassroots human rights and solidarity organizations in Central America and the U.S., to the Soros Foundation, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
