The University of Miami Libraries Cuban Heritage Collection will host a book launch and photography exhibition for Manny Ruiz's 'Surreal Cuba', a compelling photographic journey capturing the complex realities of Revolutionary Cuba's 'Special Period'. The event, scheduled for February 19, will provide audiences an unprecedented glimpse into a pivotal moment in Cuban history through Ruiz's lens.
At just 23 years old, Ruiz documented the haunting socioeconomic landscape of Cuba during a time of significant hardship. His award-winning documentary photography project offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by Cubans during the early 1990s, a period marked by economic collapse following the Soviet Union's dissolution.
The book's innovative design includes interactive QR codes that provide deeper narrative context for each photograph, transforming the publication from a mere visual record into an immersive storytelling experience. This technological integration allows readers to access rich backstories that illuminate the historical and personal dimensions of each image.
Ruiz, a Miami-born journalist of Cuban descent, brings substantial credibility to the project. With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in media and journalism—including being a co-recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Community Journalism in 1992—he offers an authentic, insider's perspective on the Cuban diaspora experience.
The event at the Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion will feature a photography display, book launch, and a Q&A session where Ruiz will share insights into his creative process and the project's significance. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the artist and explore the nuanced stories behind his powerful images.
Beyond its artistic merit, 'Surreal Cuba' represents an important historical document. By archiving a critical moment in Cuban history, Ruiz contributes to preserving the collective memory of a generation that experienced profound social and economic transformation. The book serves not just as a photographic record, but as a testament to human resilience during challenging times.
The Cuban Heritage Collection, hosting the event, plays a crucial role in documenting and presenting Cuban diaspora experiences. As the largest repository of Cuba-related materials outside the island, the collection ensures that stories like Ruiz's continue to be shared, understood, and remembered.
