It is a declaration of love to Cuba on photographic film. To its landscapes, its historical characters, its smell, its sounds, its streets ... its people. To all things that captivate who visit the country and walk on the Malecón. In short, is a declaration of love to that magic the country has, only understandable for those who have visited the island. 

An unconditional love captured by eleven Spanish photographers that is exhibited now at Casa de America, through more than 60 photographs that cover nearly 50 years of history. From Enrique Meneses' journalistic gaze to García Alix's portraits, including collages by Juan Ramón Bas or the sensuality of Isabel Muñoz. Different views of those who have dedicated themselves to walk through the streets, get into its places, engage with Cuban people and their stories, or stole moments with every shot.

Enrique Meneses was the first one of the eleven photographs who visit Cuba. In 1957, this photojournalist ventured himself into Sierra Maestra for 10 months, lived next to Che Guevara, Fidel and Raúl Castro and Camilo Cienfuegos. In that place he made some of the iconic images of the Cuban guerrillas, showing one of the most important periods in the history of the twentieth century. For 30 years no Spanish photographer crossed the pond. It was Jose María Díaz-Maroto the first one who do it, in the late '80s. Then, many authors followed him. 

The landscapes, colors, people's eyes and non-daily scenes captured the attention of the cameras, again and again. That is why scenes like children jumping into the sea or the cars of the 50's that still survive were captured by the camera. Moments captured with such intensity that the visitor, when see a couple dancing next to a Chevrolet (by José María Mellado), seems to be able to hear the sound of a hoarse old radio that accompanies them.

The exhibition, which traces the personal vision of each of the artists about the Cuban reality, is completed by Isabel Muñoz's sensuality images. The proximity of the bodies focused her camera. The result are carnal and voluptuous pictures, made of skin and movement, made of salsa steps, made of passions...  Because this is what Cuba means: passion and rapture for a land which is "the most beautiful place that human eyes have ever saw", as Columbus said when he arrived there. 

The exhibition, which also features the work by Ángel Marcos, Cristina García Rodero, Juan Manuel Castro Prieto, Juan Manuel Díaz Burgos y Toni Catany, is included in PHotoEspaña 2012. It will be on view at Casa America until 16 September. Joana Rei

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