The Friday photo by Carte Blanche

Cynical realism, Cuba by Tomas van Houtryve

If you’re in SF next week, come and meet Tomas at Carte Blanche on Thursday night. If you’re on the East Coast, he will be there for his solo show at VII Gallery on July 26th.

Tomas van Houtryve

Tomas is a member of VII. He is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including POYi Photographer of the Year, the Bayeux Prize for War Correspondents and the Perpignan Young Photographer Award. Solo exhibitions of his work have been shown in Paris, New York City, Spain and Italy. Many of his photographs of intense political actions are, paradoxically, distinguished by their intimacy.

Cynical realism, Cuba

Symbolic reforms introduced by Raul Castro since Fidel departed the spotlight have yet to make a tangible impact on the lives of ordinary Cubans. As there is never quite enough food and wealth to go around, nearly all of the islanders have learned how to hustle and cheat the system. While many of those who lived through the revolution still largely believe in its ideals, younger generations tend to view the state ideology with skepticism.