Cuba: Mi Amor

Just the mention of the word "Cuba" brings to mind so many ideas and images. One thinks of lively music, energetic dance, sun-bleached Spanish architecture, cigars, 50s era automobiles, and Fidel Castro. Xavier Zimbardo traveled to Cuba and lived there for many months learning about this paradoxical island and its people. With the eyes of a journalist and an artist, he captures the essence of all we think of Cuba, yet surprises us with images wholly new and unexpected. Through his vibrant color photographs, we can feel the heat of the sun, hear the laughter and cheers of children, and see the movements of dancers. With over one hundred pulsating, full-color photographs, Cuba: Mi Amor is a treasure; it gives us an original, intimate and stunning and very current glimpse of this vivacious island.

Xavier Zimbardo is the author and photographer of Rizzoli's fall 2000 title India Holy Song. His work is on permanent display in several museums worldwide, including the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. He lives in Sarcelles, France.

Cristina Garcia is the author of Dreaming in Cuban.