“Cristobal has a unique way to capture history through the lenses” – Cañibano.
Cristóbal Herrera-Ulashkevich is a highly acclaimed photographer whose work spans a diverse range of subjects, from profound photojournalism to intimate cultural observations. Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1971, Herrera-Ulashkevich began his photographic career in the early 1990s, documenting the socio-political transformations of post-Soviet Cuba through an intimate and deeply humanistic lens. At the age of 20 when he discovered a camera, an event he considers a “gift from destiny.” This initial spark led him to explore the streets of Havana, capturing situations that captivated his attention and eventually joining the photo staff of Bohemia, Cuba’s oldest and most famous magazine.
Herrera-Ulashkevich’s career gained significant momentum in 1999 when he was selected to participate in the prestigious Joop Swart Masterclass of the World Press Photo foundation. This recognition led him to join the Associated Press bureau in Cuba, where he undertook some of his most impactful projects both within Cuba and internationally.
His seminal photo essay, Los Hijos de la Isla (The Sons of the Island), created between 1994 and 2004, explored the spiritual and material contradictions of Cuban youth during the so-called Special Period of economic collapse. This body of work, which blends photojournalism and documentary poetry, was later exhibited by the Aluna Art Foundation in Miami as part of their Focus Locus curatorial platform, cementing his position as a critical voice in Latin American photography.
His work is characterized by a deep engagement with his subjects, often revealing the human element within complex political and social landscapes. He is also known for his powerful essay “Cuba Dura” (Tough Cuba / Cuba Lasts), a personal project exploring the surrealism and impact of the communist regime on the Caribbean island, often leading to personal consequences due to his unflinching portrayal of reality. His photographs, such as those capturing Fidel Castro, have challenged narratives and demonstrated his commitment to independent photojournalism.
A significant part of his oeuvre involves his fearless photojournalism in Cuba. Herrera-Ulashkevich is particularly renowned for his notorious coverage of Fidel Castro, capturing critical moments of the leader’s physical decline. He famously photographed Castro after he had fallen on two separate occasions – once during a public event in Cotorro on June 23, 2001, and again during a fall in Santa Clara’s Che Guevara Plaza on October 20, 2004. These images, which depicted Castro appearing weak and vulnerable, were highly controversial and led to him being warned by Cuban authorities and eventually denied re-entry into his home country. His determination to transmit these pictures, even resorting to hiding, underscores his commitment to independent photojournalism.
Cristóbal Herrera-Ulashkevich’s photographs have been exhibited in galleries and offered at auction, underscoring their artistic and historical significance. He is recognized for his ability to capture compelling moments, whether in the intensity of war and conflict, the candidness of street photography, or the nuanced expressions of culture and politics. He continues to pursue ambitious projects, including an upcoming exhibition and photo book.
30 years