Description
Book SynopsisVANISHING CUBA is a visual storytelling project by American photographer Michael Chinnici. The collection depicts the changes Cuba is facing as it emerges from more than 60 years of isolation and decay. Michael’s 24 trips to Cuba have yielded tens of thousands of photographs, thought provoking and emotional stories, and created lifelong friendships. Vanishing Cuba is about capturing the past, present and future of Cuba, and even more so, about capturing the “Soul of Cuba”. Michael’s love affair with Cuba and the Cuban people clearly comes through in this compelling and beautifully produced book.
Trade ReviewEvery now and then, a photo book is completely astounding.
The images are technically brilliant and insightfully composed. The subject is engaging. But that doesn’t begin to talk about the power or the effect of the collection....
.....Vanishing Cuba calls itself a curated photo storytelling collection, and the paired storytelling is at the heart of what makes this book wonderful. Sections of the book each begin with their own preface, a small essay or narrative written by Chinnici, and every image has not just a caption but a small story to go with it....
....Chinnici’s photography is not only technically brilliant, but his sense of what matters is acute and profound. Every image is a metaphor. Every image is an evocation. There’s something about the soul in all of them. The colors, while not overblown at all, are exuberant. And a great many photos in this book are black and white. Color celebrates life. Black and white celebrates timelessness. Both are important Cuban themes.....
.....Vanishing Cuba is an extraordinary book. Physically, it’s a beautiful book, too. The layout, the design, everything from the size of the book to the weight of the paper to the care given to typeface and image placement is extraordinary. I can see why there is an early page bearing the signature of everybody involved with its making. They have reason to be proud of this book.
Vanishing Cuba is a surprise. To re-envision the idea that a collection of images is primarily an act of storytelling is thrilling. And, as is true at the end of any good story, when I am done with this book I feel both enlightened and grateful.
— W. Scott Olson, Frames Magazine
-- W. Scott Olson * Frames Magazine *
