May 25, 2011–January 16, 2012

Violet Isle

A Photographic Portrait of Cuba by Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb

A vibrant visual essay of the details of daily life

This exhibition explores photographers Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb’s poetic vision of Cuba, the Caribbean island that—because of the color of its soil—is occasionally known as the "Violet Isle." The couple became fascinated with the paradoxes of the place some twenty years ago, and made eleven trips to photograph there between 1993 and 2008. They worked individually—Alex capturing the people he encountered on the streets, in courtyards and cafes, and Rebecca recording the interesting animals that she came across—and pooled the results of their labors at the end of the endeavor. Combined, the photographers’ efforts form a rich visual essay, a sort of duet on the lyrical vibrancy and texture of the island’s culture.

Above: Rebecca Norris Webb. Havana, Cuba, 2008. Reproduced with the permission of the artist.

  • Herb Ritts Gallery (Gallery 169)

Sponsors

Presented with support from the Shelly and Michael Kassen Fund.