Photographer Manny Ruiz to Launch 'Surreal Cuba' Book at University of Miami's Cuban Heritage Collection

The University of Miami Libraries Cuban Heritage Collection will host a book launch and photography exhibition featuring Manny Ruiz's 'Surreal Cuba' on February 19, providing a unique window into life in Revolutionary Cuba during the challenging 'Special Period' of 1993-1994.

Ruiz, who was 23 years old when he originally undertook this documentary photography project, has created a multimedia experience that goes beyond traditional photobooks. The publication includes interactive QR codes that provide deeper context and backstories for each image, allowing readers to engage more deeply with the historical narrative.

The event will offer attendees an opportunity to explore Ruiz's evocative photography, which captures the haunting essence of a pivotal moment in Cuban history. Participants will be able to view selected photographs, interact with the book, and engage directly with Ruiz during a Q&A session where he will share insights into his creative process and the significance of his work.

As a media entrepreneur and journalist with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, Ruiz brings unique credibility to this project. His background includes co-founding media companies, winning numerous industry awards, and even being a co-recipient of a Pulitzer Prize for Community Journalism in 1992.

The book's significance extends beyond artistic documentation. It represents a critical historical record of Cuba during a period of extreme economic hardship following the collapse of the Soviet Union, known as the 'Special Period'. Ruiz's photographs offer an intimate, personal perspective on a challenging time that profoundly impacted Cuban society and contributed to the broader diaspora experience.

The event will take place at the Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion of Otto G. Richter Library, providing a scholarly context for Ruiz's work. The Cuban Heritage Collection, recognized as the largest repository of Cuban-related materials outside of the island, serves as an ideal venue for this culturally significant book launch.

Attendees can expect a comprehensive experience that combines visual art, historical documentation, and personal narrative. The event promises to be more than just a book launch, but a meaningful exploration of Cuban history, resilience, and artistic expression.