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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Eighty-two: A city portrait -- impressions of Havana, Cuba. > Primary colors, Havana, Cuba, 2012
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12-MAY-2012

Primary colors, Havana, Cuba, 2012

I framed this parked blue taxi and waited for either a yellow or a red taxi to sweep past it. Within a few moments, a red hood and fender entered the frame, and I was able to juxtapose these two primary colors side by side. These old American cars have been repainted many times by their Cuban owners through the years, and add the flavor of a time warp to Havana’s energetic atmosphere. The lone hand on the window frame of the blue car humanizes the image, isolating the passenger in a sea of color.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5
1/800s f/4.5 at 13.9mm iso80 full exif

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Phil Douglis30-May-2012 17:24
Thanks, Celia, for noting the role of color in this image, and how it relates to the way Cubans see life itself. When I made this image, I not really think about the meaning of the words on the background sign. But now that both you and Tim mention it, I see how you would both take note of it. I think it means "Specialiasts on Cuba" and it does seem to fit an image featuring both old cars and vivid primary colors.
Tim May30-May-2012 16:42
I concur with Cecillia - and would add that I'm not sure what "especialist" means, but to my English eyes it means "specialty" and the cars are very much a specialty of Cuba.
Cecilia Lim29-May-2012 20:51
I love that you included the signage saying "especialist de cuba" as context for the image. Strong color seems to be a part of everyday life in Havana. Knowing what we know about the hardships and repression in Cuba, I find it inspiring that the people still try to celebrate life by surrounding themselves in color. People are resilient and will always find a way to express themselves. I think the bold statement of color in your image speaks of what's right at the core of the people.
Phil Douglis27-May-2012 18:06
Thanks, Carol, for seeing traces of yellow, the third primary color here. I am sure that most of these cars have been painted over and over again through the years.
Carol E Sandgren27-May-2012 04:19
I see that you did succeed in getting the three primary colors in your shot with the scratches on the apparently once yellow painted car showing from under the newer red paint.
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