Photography: An Interpretive Look at the Exhibition ‘Toda la Gloria del Mundo’

Since its introduction to the island in April 1840, photography in Cuba has had a rich and fruitful history. Valued as a documentary medium, historical record, and art form, it has illuminated the lives, events, and milestones of social, political, and cultural significance.

The exhibition Toda la Gloria del Mundo, by photographer Alex Castro, is an iconic milestone in this history. Hosted at the José Martí Memorial in Havana, the exhibition is inspired by the late Commander in Chief, Fidel Castro Ruz. It marks the start of the centenary celebrations for the historic leader in 2026.

Consisting of fifty photographs and a video sequence, the exhibition offers an introspective and personal perspective on one of the most iconic figures in Cuban and global history. Drawing inspiration from his father, Alex Castro presents a collection of portraits, scenes of daily life, and encounters with artists and intellectuals from different countries.

Through his carefully composed images, aesthetic rigour, and emotional depth, Castro creates a narrative that invites viewers to deeply engage with his adept ability to capture decisive moments. Each visitor is invited to explore the emotional resonance of these visual testimonies, which transform personal experiences into collective memory.

Visitors of all ages will discover — and rediscover — the statesman and the man of the people in these evocative images, as Fidel appears in diverse contexts and situations. The exhibition features a blend of black-and-white and colour photographs that together tell a story, prompting reflection on a living symbol who is enduring and unforgettable in his dual role as thinker and man of action. Fidel and his people advanced the Cuban Revolution, adeptly communicating its memory, legacy, and identity.

This exhibition, open through October at the José Martí Memorial, is a must-see. Its title echoes Martí’s words and showcases a dynamic culture, presented through a narrative notable for its stylistic, conceptual, and humanistic innovations.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez

Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate