20/03/13…More images of Havana from Thame photographer

THAME photographer, John Comino James’ latest book is about to be released, his third of photographs taken in Havana, Cuba, a city of images that have captured a special place in his heart.

Havana: Intimations of Departure, due to be published on April 1, by Dewi Lewis Publishing, is John’s third book of photographs made in Havana, a city which, he says, “.. still surprises me: just when I think I know parts of the city well, I catch myself walking in streets made unfamiliar by my photographs.”

John explained: “The monochrome images are arranged in five sections. The photographs are a contemplation of some of the visual experiences and emotional connections I feel I might lose were I unable to walk through Havana again. I record moments in the history of buildings, find myself drawn into and almost overwhelmed by the energy of the street, and observe moments of individual preoccupation and solitude.

“The sixth and final section of the book, using text and colour images, is in reaction to the blandishments of a tourist industry which all too often proposes that ?Cuba is on the verge of change and that therefore now is the perfect time to visit before its distinctive character is altered forever?, and which invites would-be visitors to ?check out the charming glory of Old Havana where American 50?s cars line the streets and where they can relax with a cigar and a mojito?.

“In revealing something of my relationships and my photographic practice I hope to counter the proposition that the admittedly photogenic Havana landscape simply presents an opportunity ?for great dramatic photos for competitions and portfolios.?

“Even before I knew that Cuba?s story would become part of my grandchildren?s cultural heritage,” concluded John, “I became increasingly preoccupied with the need to learn something about the historical events and culture that underpinned the life I was witnessing in the streets. This last section of the book therefore concludes with pointers towards a wider culture of film, music, literature, painting, and politics beyond the Che Guevara T-shirts and other souvenirs.”

(related link)

Hardcover: 168 pages
Publisher: Dewi Lewis Publishing (1 April 2013)
ISBN-10: 190789330X
ISBN-13: 978-1907893308
Price: