Photographer Linda Hirsch speaks to arts curator Evan J. Garza about her experiences documenting communities of Cuban Jews, and discusses works that were on view in her exhibition, "CUBA: Threads of Hope & Renewal", a 9-year survey of the artist's project. Taken over several trips to Cienfuegos, Havana, and the countryside of Cuba, these poignant photographs document unique communities of Cuban Jews and scenic cultural affectations, revealing a heartrending and oft-ignored perspective of Latin American culture. Documenting several community members and youth over several years--from Bar mitzvah celebrations to traditional Santeria rituals--Hirsch captures rich, genuine moments of familial intimacy, growth, and joy through the unique lens of a country experiencing an historic and profound transition. Exhibited here with remarkable clarity, Hirsch's work transcends traditional perceptions of both Latinos and Jews, creating broad new considerations of commonly accepted cultural understandings. Hirsch's story is one of two cultures, united by a common spiritual thread. Hirsch sites Herschel Garfein's composition "Places to Live" (commissioned by Boston Classical Orchestra in 2000, Steve Lipsett, Conductor)--and specifically the movement entitled "Havana"--as the catalyst to her Cuban connections and the projects which have continued to evolve since 2001. She says that the piece captures the diverse rhythms and moods of "cubanidad" in a classical, timeless and effective manner.
