Older man standing inside a shop Santa Marta Cuba | Wall Art
Inside View of Cuban Barber Shop with Local Men
In Santa Marta, Cuba, the sun’s warmth contrasts starkly against the shadowed interior of a local barbershop. As I pause at the threshold, the open double doors reveal a scene steeped in casual, daily intimacy. A man in a white T-shirt who catches my eye stands just inside, facing the darkened room where a few locals are settled comfortably in chairs, immersed in their surroundings.
This shop’s exterior walls are a testament to their history, with their green paint flaking away to expose the underlying layers. Such textures offer a palpable sense of the passage of time, enhancing the photograph’s depth. The fading image of an old-style barber pole painted on the wall hints at the building’s service to the community, anchoring it in a rich, cultural tapestry.
With its blend of light and shadow, old and new, activity and tranquility, this place is a slice of life here, the human experience. It’s about simple yet profound moments of connection and routine. My focus isn’t just to capture the scene and absorb the quiet stories and the unspoken histories that unfold within this small frame. Each element—from the textured walls to the relaxed postures of the men—crafts a detailed portrayal of life in this Cuban town.
© Dan Kosmayer, 2018