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Off-Site Exhibition

And That Was The Beginning Of The End Of That

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Opening Reception: Sat 10th November, 1-3pm
Trongate 103

A series of 35 images chronicling the changing face of Cuba, captured by Glasgow based photographer Iain Clark in 2015.

The exhibition coincides with the fourth Havana Glasgow Film Festival which runs from the 7th -11th November 2018.

Glasgow was twinned with Havana in 2002. 

I have always wanted to visit Cuba and the indication that change was afoot between the US and Cuba spurred me to make the 4,500 mile journey. 

I wanted to experience Cuba as it was before the 21st century invaded. Stepping onto the plane in London, I might as well have been stepping into a time machine. Cuba feels like it’s been stuck in a time warp for the past 50 years. It is unlike anywhere else in the world and my images aim to capture its uniqueness. It’s a photographer’s paradise, the buildings in Havana appear to crumble before your eyes, the classic American cars on the road showcase the ‘make do and mend’ mechanics and you can’t walk far without the iconic Che Guevara looming over you.

The Cuba which appears in this collection is disappearing day by day. This exhibition documents a nation that, in a few years time, will perhaps only exist in the memories of those who have immersed themselves in its culture and practices. This bygone way of life will be laid to rest in the pages of history books. My images aim to capture a moment in time, preserving this freeze frame of Cuba forever.

This is a country on the verge of a major tipping point. The images are testament to this mythical Shangri-La and is a final chance to experience Cuba and Cubans as they were before it fades into the past.

Iain Clark is a photographic artist whose work is in the permanent collection of The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh; The National Portrait Gallery, London and in numerous private collections across the UK, Europe, the US and India.

With thanks to the International Office at Glasgow City Council.

Images: © Iain Clark

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