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The colours, symmetry and strangers of La Havana

Between two jobs I had an opportunity to travel to Cuba last summer. I knew it was a photo trip but I went there with no particular idea of what I was going to shoot. It was my first time in La Havana and I was travelling on my own. I did not want to go to any all-inclusive resort. After 2 or 3 days it was clear: I was going to shoot colours, symmetry and complete strangers.

A guy from Quebec contacted me on Behance. He played music 13 years ago with the old man I photographed. He wanted me to confirm it was him, but I wasn’t able to. I did not get the name. Small world.


It was my first time in La Havana and I was travelling on my own. I did not want to go to any all-inclusive resort. After 2 or 3 days it was clear: I was going to shoot colours, symmetry and complete strangers.

That’s probably the best shot in the series, but I was not even supposed to be in Cuba that day. There was a little confusion with my lift back to the airport, and I waited for my bus the wrong day. I had 30 more hours in La Habana. So I went for a walk, found that wall, waiting a few minutes and BOOM, the old lady pops out of a nearby street wearing the same colours. She agreed to get shot. I was in the middle of the street, I shot in 25 seconds from close to far to get different angles, and got gently hit by a car because I had not seen the light pass to green. People don’t have much patience and apparently it’s ok to poke people with your car in Cuba before actually using the horn.


La Havana is quite intense when you’re a tourist and look like a tourist. You’re like a walking wallet full of cash. People are way more relaxed out of the city. I talked a lot with some young Cubans. They’re all far more educated and skilled compared to what the country can offer in terms of jobs. Skilled youth that can’t travel or export their knowledge. It’s a bit like Cuba could cure AIDS but first they need a lab…





It’s that feeling of being trapped in what foreigners consider paradise that struck me. They feel lucky because at least they can grow food, veges, fruit etc, I mean, Cuba will never starve, which is great. It will remain poor but. Remember a teacher makes $20 a month and that a pair of shoes costs $80. We could talk for hours about the benefits of the Revolution and what’s completely fucked up nowadays.

They’re all far more educated and skilled compared to what the country can offer in terms of jobs. Skilled youth that can’t travel or export their knowledge. It’s a bit like Cuba could cure AIDS but first they need a lab…

The place that made me go FUCK YEAH was Viñales. Living amongst farmers and tobacco growers just a few hours away from la Havana is amazing. Best place, best people.



ecrasonslinfame.tumblr.com  |  @francoisollivier



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