When one thinks of Cuba, images of vintage cars, colorful buildings, and Cuban cigars often come to mind. However, beneath the surface of this Caribbean island lies a vibrant underground scene that defies stereotypes and challenges assumptions about Cuban culture. Photographer Jean-François Bouchard has made it his mission to document these hidden subcultures, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of young Cubans who are pushing boundaries and expressing themselves in unexpected ways.
Discovering Havana’s Underground
Bouchard’s fascination with Cuba began over three decades ago, but it wasn’t until recently that he started noticing a shift in the country’s youth culture. Despite the perception that Cuba is a conformist society, Bouchard found a thriving underground scene that encompassed everything from LGBTQ+ communities to tattoo enthusiasts and punk rockers.
“Foreigners think that in Cuba there’s no personal expression and that everything is bland and uniform. And it’s not true.”
– Jean-François Bouchard
Through his lens, Bouchard captures the raw energy and creativity of these subcultures, showcasing a side of Cuba that is rarely seen by outsiders. His photographs are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of young Cubans who are carving out their own identities in a rapidly changing world.
The Art of Japanese Bondage in Havana
One of the most striking images in Bouchard’s collection features Feliz Gonzales Martinez and Katherine Carmona, two young Cubans who are part of Havana’s underground shibari scene. Shibari, also known as Japanese bondage, is an art form that involves intricate rope tying and is often associated with BDSM practices.
In the photograph, Feliz is seen tying ropes around Katherine’s body as she smokes a cigar, a provocative juxtaposition of traditional Cuban imagery with a subversive underground practice. The image is a powerful reminder that Cuba is a complex and multifaceted society, one that cannot be reduced to simple stereotypes or clichés.
“This photograph is really about the contrast between the traditional values of Cuba and this generation that embraces a progressive outlook.”
– Jean-François Bouchard
Tattoo Culture and LGBTQ+ Rights
Bouchard’s photographs also shed light on other aspects of Havana’s underground scene, including the city’s burgeoning tattoo culture. Once illegal in Cuba, tattoo parlors are now tolerated and have exploded in popularity among young Cubans.
Similarly, Cuba has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights in recent years, with the country now being one of the most progressive in Latin America when it comes to issues like same-sex marriage and transgender rights. Bouchard’s photographs capture the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ communities that have emerged in Havana, offering a counterpoint to the machismo culture that has long dominated Cuban society.
The New Cubans Project
Bouchard’s work is part of a larger project called “The New Cubans,” which aims to document the changing face of Cuban society in the 21st century. Through his photographs, Bouchard seeks to capture the essence of a generation that is increasingly connected to the outside world and eager to express themselves in new and creative ways.
“Almost a third of young people I shot have left the country.”
– Jean-François Bouchard
However, Bouchard’s project is also a bittersweet one, as many of the young Cubans he has photographed have since left the country in search of better opportunities abroad. With Cuba facing a severe economic crisis in recent years, an estimated 10% of the population has emigrated in the past two years alone.
For Bouchard, his photographs serve as a testament to a moment in time, capturing the hopes, dreams, and struggles of a generation on the brink of change. As he continues to document Havana’s underground scene, he hopes to shed light on the complexity and diversity of Cuban society, challenging stereotypes and offering a more nuanced portrait of this fascinating country.
A Rare Glimpse into a Hidden World
Jean-François Bouchard’s photographs offer a rare and intimate look at a side of Cuba that is often overlooked by mainstream media. By documenting the lives and experiences of young Cubans who are part of Havana’s underground scene, Bouchard challenges us to rethink our assumptions about Cuban culture and society.
Through his lens, we see a generation of Cubans who are redefining what it means to be Cuban in the 21st century. From LGBTQ+ activists to tattoo artists and punk rockers, these young people are carving out their own identities and creating their own spaces for self-expression and creativity.
As Cuba continues to navigate a period of profound social and economic change, Bouchard’s photographs serve as an important reminder of the resilience, creativity, and spirit of the Cuban people. They offer a glimpse into a hidden world that is rarely seen by outsiders, one that is full of joy, struggle, and hope for a better future.
