Cade Martin captures the timeless “Faces of Cuba” through personal exploration

By Cade Martin

I recently returned from a trip to Cuba that I made with Cuba Workshops. The primary goal of Cuba Workshops is to connect travelers with the Cuban people and support them with our time and photography.

We stayed with welcoming Cuban families throughout the trip and had experiences that will last a lifetime – it was a great adventure. One of the amazing things to experience was the warmth, hospitality and friendliness of the Cuban people, despite unenviable economic circumstances.

What a gift to discover stories in the faces of Cubans I came across.

I was interested in making portraits of people enveloped with darkness, outside distractions quieted, where it is easy to be drawn into their eyes and personal narrative.

The portraits have a raw, timeless quality, mysterious and truth-telling at the same time. Shot without architectural or social context as background, the people come alive, each of their personalities emanating from the void. They command full attention, the character of their faces actively expressing vibrant stories and rich personal history.

I was amazed by the warmth, resilience and laughter captured in my encounters. And I am grateful for the adventure.

Credits:
Music Composer Carlos Durán
Art Direction + Animation: Joseph Gilbert
Thanks to Cuba Workshops, Alex Garcia and Orietta Garcia

Cade Martin is an award-winning photographer.  His love of the arts grew out of summers filled with trips to galleries, museums, and art studios. At home, he often found myself around the dinner table surrounded by an eclectic cast of characters — sculptors, writers, painters and creatives. They paraded through his childhood, shaping his art foundation, as well as forming an understanding of a community and an appreciation for the candid beauty found in people from all walks of life.