Description
Located in Trinidad, Cuba this church became an obsession of mine. I had scores of studies on this subject, unbeknownst to why this particular place was so enthralling for me. I think sometimes as artists we subconsciously attached feeling to spaces and that connection can start to invade our creative process. Trinidad was such an inspiring place to experience as an artist because there were so many beautiful imperfections. The cobbled streets were mislaid and crumbling but has this wonderful tactile and nostalgic quality, the buildings were in disrepair yet full of colour, warmth and light, the electricity would sometimes cut off entirely but then the streets would be illuminated by candlelight. It was an otherworldly experience.
This church is an example of Spanish colonial influence in Cuba. Trinidad has a very dark and harrowing history as a location for slave trade. Known for producing one third of Cuba’s sugar. It wasn’t until 1886 that slavery was abolished. Nowadays, the location sustains much of it economy from tourism and the tobacco industry. Trinidad stills faces issues of poverty, unemployment and deterioration of health and social infrastructures due to the embargo reimposed by Trump in 2017 which has yet to be lifted. Nonetheless, Trinidad remains a site of creativity, perseverance and affability.
