Joan Alvado
Cuban Muslims, Tropical Faith
[ EPF 2017 – SHORT LIST ]
Cuba is one of the last countries in the world where Islam has entered. Although is still widely unknown, the number of Cubans embracing Islam has constantly increased in the recent years. This growth is strongly linked with the current scenario of changes in Cuba, which includes a higher tolerance towards religions.
With a current population around 3.000, Cuban Muslims are present in several districts of La Habana but also have expanded to many other provinces, like Camagüey, Santiago or Varadero. The growth of this community is strongly linked with the current scenario of changes in Cuba, which includes a higher tolerance towards religions.
Why a Muslim community is born in the middle of a Socialist Caribbean Island?
The “Cuban Muslims” project is not aiming to give closed answers, but provide clues for reflection. By delving into one of the most unique Muslim communities worldwide, an innovative approach to Cuba and Islam is generated. The goal is to break visual stereotypes, questioning issues like identity, faith and traditions.
Short Bio
Born in Altea in 1979, Joan Alvado has lived in Barcelona since 2005. His works have been published in media like The New York Times, Newsweek, CNN, The Washington Post, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, El Pais, La Repubblica, Der Spiegel, Hurriyet, VICE, Descobrir Catalunya, 7K magazine, Huffington Post, Voima or Le Point, among others. Part of his work has been exhibited in several events and photo festivals in Spain, Cuba, Turkey, France, Slovenia or Italy. Since 2013, he has collaborated with the collective of Turkish photographers NAR Photos. His archive is distributed by agencies like AFP, Getty Images, Laif and Luz Photo. In 2015, his project “School of Shepherds” received the “Lens Culture Emerging Talent Award.” In 2016, his project “Cuban Muslims” won the “New FNAC Photography Talent” award in Spain.
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The Emerging Photographer Fund is supported by generous donors to the Magnum Foundation
