TOKYO-2019

The Power of The Powerless

  • Photographer
    Carlos Gamez De Francisco
  • Technical Info
    Photograph 34" X 50"
  • Photo Date
    2018

In my work, I am inquiring about the problematic and subjective notion of power by altering the historical role of portraits in society. These photographs respond to the need to portray ordinary people of Cuba. The models, apparently dressing in sumptuous costumes were using regular objects found in their homes such as curtains, table covers, plastic bags, and stainless steel scouring pads. The photographs ironically recreate what power means by using repurposed objects to depict minorities (people in conditions of poverty, with special needs, from different genders and races).

Carlos Gamez de Francisco (b.1987, Holguin, Cuba) lives and works in Prospect, KY. He has received numerous awards including the Museum Guild Purchase Award at Evansville Museum; the SAIC Distinguished Scholarship at The Art Institute of Chicago; the Key to the City of Louisville by Mayor Greg Fischer; and the “Dreammakers” Artist in Residence at Muhammad Ali Center. He has had solo shows at 21c Museum, Bentonville, AR; Kenise Barnes Fine Art, Larchmont, NY, Hardcore Art Contemporary Space, Miami, FL; Muhammad Ali Museum, Louisville, KY; and the Colonial Museum of Fine Arts, Havana.