Women behind the lens: ‘In Cuba, domestic life is forced on to the streets’

Part of a project exploring islanders’ daily challenges, this photograph captures the quiet endurance of Cuban mothers

This image is part of my project, Surviving the Impossible, which began in 2022 with the aim of capturing everyday life in Cuban, beyond cliches and misconceptions. Over the course of my visits, I have approached this work in two ways. First, I spend time with Cuban families, immersing myself in their routines and daily challenges. Second, I wander the streets to photograph and talk with people in a more spontaneous manner.

Both methods allow me to explore Cuba’s complex landscape, shedding light on the struggles and on resilience.

Sandra Hernández (Vita Flumen) is a photographer in Mexico whose work focuses on everyday life and overlooked stories. She created the first anthology of street photography in Mexico, and founded Urban Observers, a platform for Latin American street and documentary photography

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