06/09/2026
This past spring (2026), I created this photography and collage project about Cuba, but it was also about my family.
As a first-generation Cuban American, I didn't live through the hunger, shortages, blackouts, and hardships that many of my relatives experienced. Instead, I grew up hearing their stories so I want to share it with you
I remember seeing my uncle sunburned with blisters arrive after escaping Cuba on a raft. I remember hearing family members talk about hunger and scarcity. I remember my aunt being overwhelmed that she could buy an apple whenever she wanted. I remember my grandmother feeling faint the first time she walked into an American grocery store and saw shelves full of food.
Even as a child, I understood that freedom was something many Cubans still hoped for. At six years old, during a saint celebration, my wish was for the people of Cuba to be free.
Through family photographs, historical images, news articles, and photographs from local demonstrations I attended, this project explores the connection between my family's history and the realities many Cubans continue to face today.
This project became more than an art assignment. It became a way to honor my family's experiences, preserve their stories, and bring awareness to struggles that continue today.
Thank you for taking a moment to view my work and the story behind it. 📷❤️🇨🇺
Thank you Professor Jane Lindsey for the guidance! 🎓
📸 BabarazziPhotos
🏫 Arizona State University
