Untitled (three contact strips: Cuban revolutionaries in Havana) after 1959

Editor: This is an untitled work by Lester Cole, showing three strips of black and white photographs of Cuban revolutionaries in Havana. The central strip is quite dark, but the others depict soldiers and scenes of political activity. What stands out to you? Curator: These contact strips offer a raw, unedited glimpse into a pivotal moment. Consider how Cole, as an outsider, frames the revolution. What power dynamics are at play when an artist captures a moment of social upheaval? Editor: So, it’s not just about the event itself, but also about who is doing the observing and documenting? Curator: Precisely. The selection and arrangement of these images can shape public perception and even contribute to the broader narrative surrounding the Cuban Revolution. It makes me wonder, who was Cole's intended audience? Editor: That's a fascinating question; thinking about the audience shifts my understanding entirely. Thanks!