Clifton Henri, award-winning photographer from Chicago, Illinois, recently exhibited his photographs of Havana at Benedictine University's Komechak Art Gallery from January 18 - February 29, 2016. Henri's take of life of the Havana streets is eye-catching and engaging. His subjects range from youth fighting in a boxing ring,
to a couple of teens sitting on a stoop. Their faces show a look of promise and faith their fates will be different than their forefathers', who have live in constraint under Communism. They dress in more contemporary clothing, and if it weren't for the fact we know they live in Havana, we would expect to see youth like these young men on any street corner in the US.
Henri said he wanted to visit the country for a long time, and when he got the chance early last year, he jumped at it. He said the culture was fascinating, the people warm and friendly, and music, food and atmosphere were life-changing experiences where he will surely go back to take more pictures and explore more of the island nation.
Henri took portraits of the people he met, and their faces are elegantly portrayed in natural lighting, and without artifice in style or composition. They are straightforward and reveal faces full of life.
The artist also took pictures of buildings and areas seemingly long abandoned, but the mystery of an open door and light falling on a set of old chairs in a boxing center, or light dimly illuminating a stairwell, are inviting for their textures and colors and areas we cannot see.
This photographer is presenting to us a world still largely unknown to the outside world. He shows us the day-to-day activities of people on the street, the time capsule of their environment and all of it makes us want to go visit this uniquely wonderful place. Henri's work is up and coming in attention and awards have been accorded him with growing numbers. We will watch this rising star with optimism as he grows and develops.
