Cuba:In The Shadows a photography book being published by Steidl. In 1999 at age 25, American Photographer Anna Mia Davidson, despite the embargo, set out on a personal journey with her camera to capture the isolated Island Nation Cuba through her own eyes. Cuba was just beginning to heal from the “Special Period” after Russia pulled it’s financial support after nearly four decades. It was during this time of transition that Anna Mia Davidson became inspired to know more. A visual journey and testament to the human story. Many visits throughout eight years allowed her to get deeply immersed in Cuban life and understand the complexities of the Island during this long term photographic exploration.
Cuba’s sustainably grown agriculture is a silent leader in a movement around the world towards sustainability. Small family farmers are offered government incentives to farm cooperatively with neighboring farmers. Some farmers have chosen to join together collectively, some have chosen to stand on their own and maintain the land that has been in their family for generations. At the time these images were taken, farmer’s were the only citizens allowed to own land in Cuba, they are proud of this privilege. Through a global awareness of the movement towards sustainability, the alternative can rise to the top of our collective mainstream consciousness.