Calle Ocho: Miami Project 2023
In the summer of 1978, I explored Calle Ocho in Miami with my first 35mm camera and created my first documentary attempt at street photography in an effort to understand the “Cubanization” of areas in Miami, that my family was very much a part of as Cuban immigrants. I returned in 2023.
“Little Havana”, Calle Ocho’s more commercialized name, has itself migrated, changed and exploited the Cuban image. Many of the families that came to America to escape the horrific Castro regime, came to start a new life, work hard, and as such, with the drive for freedom, most succeeded and moved on. Though the area still hosts a few Cuban owned businesses, the authenticity of its early beginnings has been lost to the commercialization of an “idea”. This at least, is my first response to the experience of being there in 2023. As I examine the images and hopefully, revisit the area, I hope to discover more. Since the project is in-progress, I am leaving the exploration open to what might emerge in the photographs, conversations and overall process. My initial intention is to explore the places and neighborhood streets that define the area and make personal observations through photographic documentation. In many ways Calle Ocho is no longer completely Cuban...but more to explore.
This project is part of a larger initiative which combines image transfers from 1978 negatives.
This link brings you to these explorations.
“Little Havana”, Calle Ocho’s more commercialized name, has itself migrated, changed and exploited the Cuban image. Many of the families that came to America to escape the horrific Castro regime, came to start a new life, work hard, and as such, with the drive for freedom, most succeeded and moved on. Though the area still hosts a few Cuban owned businesses, the authenticity of its early beginnings has been lost to the commercialization of an “idea”. This at least, is my first response to the experience of being there in 2023. As I examine the images and hopefully, revisit the area, I hope to discover more. Since the project is in-progress, I am leaving the exploration open to what might emerge in the photographs, conversations and overall process. My initial intention is to explore the places and neighborhood streets that define the area and make personal observations through photographic documentation. In many ways Calle Ocho is no longer completely Cuban...but more to explore.
This project is part of a larger initiative which combines image transfers from 1978 negatives.
This link brings you to these explorations.
