Stated by the Photographer/Artist, Lidia Arriagada-Garcia: "Whether you're strolling through Old Havana or venturing into Viñales, the countryside, Cuba greets your senses with a remarkable display of color. The vibrant hues, set against the textured, crumbling walls and facades, are undeniably captivating. Yet, amidst this visual feast and the charming eccentricity of vintage American cars, a stark reality persistently surfaces: the enduring presence of the embargo.

The economic struggle is palpable, but despite the hardships, Cubans carry themselves with a remarkable sense of dignity, their heads held high, clinging to the hope of brighter days ahead.

Cuba's allure extends far beyond its vibrant music, renowned rum, and iconic cigars, or even its notable and globally recognized achievements in health and education. What truly makes Cuba a captivating place, which makes you long to return, is the tenderness and warmth of its people's hearts. The Cuban people have navigated immense challenges over the past half-century; their ongoing struggle is evident on every street. Yet, despite such deprivation, one is enveloped by a sweet and intoxicating sense of resilience and pride.”

Images For Inclusion has been honored to support Lidia Arriagada-Garcia's dedicated efforts in bringing these crucial perspectives to a wider audience. Lidia's commitment, often involving personal sacrifices to share her artworks, has resulted in exhibitions of these photographs in diverse settings. Here in New York City, these artworks have been displayed in various public spaces, engaging a broad cross-section of our community. Her journey to international recognition, particularly for her debut exhibition in London in 2016, wasn't without its challenges. This significant milestone was achieved not only through the support of Images for Inclusion but also through Lidia's sheer perseverance, the skilled assistance of individuals who helped with the elegant printing, perfect mounting on plexiglass, and professional framing—several of them in a floating frame style—and the crucial generosity of donations, primarily at the outset, to cover initial travel expenses and framing for that first London exhibition.

Beyond New York, her work has been showcased at art galleries in London, reaching international art enthusiasts. The artworks focus is not solely on the aesthetic appeal of the photograph. Beyond the resemblance of beauty and quality on their own —further enhancing the presentation of the alluring images within them—they serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring US economic embargo and its impact on the Cuban people's daily lives. These artworks have formed part of impactful international art exhibitions in Prague, Czech Republic, and Venice, Italy, where they were viewed by a diverse global audience, sparking conversations about the subject matter, sparking reflection and dialogue.

Through these exhibitions, we aim to foster awareness and cultivate solidarity for a subject often overlooked. As Lidia has indicated, "they aim to provide an opportunity to reflect on Cuba's past and present socio-political struggles and sacrifices, particularly in light of the US economic embargo. These images are meant to encourage critical thinking among those who view them, inspiring in them a desire to learn and understand the complexities of the reality faced by Cuba”. Therefore, the photographs enhanced by the artist’s point of view, provide a different lens, that invites to gaze and engage in a visual conversation beyond beauty — that is to say, the images are intended to go beyond aesthetics and encourage viewers to learn and critically analyze the realities of life in Cuba.

Cristian Contini, an international renown art gallerist viewing the Cuba exhibition.