Ken Divjak
Op het moment van schrijven heeft autofotograaf Piotr Degler al 16.116 euro opgehaald via Kickstarter. Het uiteindelijke doel is om 30.000 euro in te zamelen en zijn droomproject te verwezenlijken, namelijk het boek Carros de Cuba zelf op de markt brengen. Da’s trouwens een vervolg op de gelijknamige kalender die hij vorig jaar uitbracht, integraal geschoten op het eiland in de Atlantische oceaan. Alleen staan er ditmaal natuurlijk meer dan twaalf prachtplaten op het spel.
Speaking of Cuba is talking about their cars. When in 1959 a young Castro decreed a law to prevent the importation of cars, he could not see the great favor that made us all who are passionate about the 4 wheels. Unwittingly, he bequeathed us a full pre-revolutionary treasure, which now constitutes one of the tourist attractions of the island. For 10 years I had been dreaming of visiting this photographic paradise. It was something I felt inside me. 10 years longing to capture the country through its almendrones (vintage taxis), Buicks, Cadillacs and Studebakers… 10 years were expectation was mixed with desire. I had an intense month to find my treasure. Chasing rumors and opinions, I traveled the island from Viñales to Santiago de Cuba, stopping in dozens of towns and cities. As I forged friendships with enthusiasts and local mechanics, I opened doors normally closed to foreign tourists. Beyond the American classics, Cuba has put me face to face with some of the most iconic cars of Automobile History.
This is a tribute to the cars that have survived over half a century on the island, thanks to the inventiveness of the Cuban people. On the one hand, you’ll see photographs showing the human side; the people; the environment; cars maintained with inventiveness and necessity for decades; real gems stored in garages away from prying eyes… On the other hand, you’ll find obsolete cars showing hints of what they once were, and dreaming of what they could be again. These are natural and honest photographs; there are no forced elements placed in the frame for the occasion. Everything you see happened by chance, with natural colors, un-retouched photographs – the pictures respectfully show the reality as it is.
[Steun het project HIER, of bezoek de site van Degler ALHIER]
