dancing with che

Barbara Astman

My most recent body of work, dancing with che, evolved from a visit to Havana, where images of revolutionary leader, Che Guevara appear everywhere. Che appears in public art and monuments, on fridge magnets, coffee mugs and on key chains. I became interested in the incredible proliferation of his image and the meaning his image has, in terms of issues surrounding this historical figure viewed as a pop culture icon. In this series I also wanted to explore the complexity of experiencing a foreign culture, while being only too acutely aware of existing outside of that culture. I was attracted to the rhythms and sounds of the street and the sensuousness and spirit of the people. It is in this sense of exploration that I have used my own body to animate the image of Che, to attempt to re-create something of what I felt and experienced while in Cuba.

There are thirty-one murals in the series, which create a rhythm of movement when viewed sequentially. The three-foot square digital images were specifically printed at this scale to present Che as larger-than-life. Rather than any political agenda, it is with humour and affection, that I present this private performance for the camera in which Che becomes my dance partner.