A Corner Life in Cuba: Surviving the Impossible

This is one example of many across the globe that we face as a human race. Time for change!

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“This image is part of my project, Surviving the Impossible, which began in 2022 with the aim of capturing everyday life in Cuba, beyond common cliches and misconceptions. I have approached this work in two ways. First, I spend time with Cuban families, immersing myself in their routines. Second, I wander the streets to photograph and talk to people.

Both methods allow me to explore different facets of Cuba’s complex landscape, shedding light on the struggles and resilience I encounter.

One summer evening as I was heading back to my hotel, I saw a young mother sitting outside the store where she works, feeding her baby. In Cuba, cramped living conditions often force domestic life onto the streets, turning pavements into living rooms and doorsteps into cradles.

When we spoke, she explained that this was her only child and that she had no plans for more. The simple act of securing food, she said, was already a constant struggle. The store’s modest income did not stretch far enough to buy items on the parallel market, and she worried about her daughter’s future. Although she didn’t share her name, we ended up discussing the uncertainty of raising a child in a place where each day can feel like a battle.

This image resonates with me because it captures the quiet endurance of Cuban mothers, who bear the weight of an unpredictable tomorrow.

With every encounter in Cuba, I feel more at home – families have welcomed me into their lives and opened their doors, and each interaction deepens my connection to the island. My hope is that, by amplifying these voices, we can begin to break down the misunderstandings that have long overshadowed the true spirit of Cuba.

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Women behind the lens

‘In Cuba, domestic life is forced onto the streets’

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