Ernesto "Che" Guevara, the photographer, in Crete

arigram · Sep 8, 2006

Today it was the opening of an exhibition of photographs taken by Ernesto Che Guevara. Because an opening is a chaotic event where you don't really go to see the artist's work, I have planned to return some other day. Probably the photographs themselves aren't great, but I am very curious to see the photographic work of this legendery figure. Here in Greece he is very popular, almost like a national hero.

I don't think this is a travelling exhibition, it looks like they are only showing it here in Iraklio until the 28th of September, which is a big deal as we rarely get any sort of distinguished show around here.

Its organised by the cuban CeChe study center, by the NewStar organisation and is supported by the Cuban ministry of Culture and the Embassy of Cuba in Greece.

Roger Hicks · Sep 8, 2006

Dear Aristotelis,

Fascinating. Is there a web site?

Unfortunately it's a VERY long drive to Crete. But I hope to get back there one day (so far, two weeks by air 10-15 years ago). Maybe even next year...

Cheers,

R.

arigram · Sep 8, 2006

I have no information regarding a web site and I am not surprised there isn't one.
But, I imagine the photographs of Guevara have probably been shown in other countries and will be shown in the future. I am sure there has been one in the US or atleast planned for even if the two countries don't have a good political relationship.

Ole · Sep 8, 2006

It would be interesting in an odd sort of way to see an exhibition of the photography of the subject of the most pirated photograph in the history of photography...

(And if that sentence made sense, you're probably at least as drunk as I am)!

BirgerA · Sep 8, 2006

It actually made sense, and I'm sober. Now, that's a bit scary.....

mvh
Birger

blansky · Sep 8, 2006

It would be interesting.

I haven't even seen the movie that came out a year or so ago about his early life.

Michael

roteague · Sep 8, 2006

arigram said:
I am sure there has been one in the US or atleast planned for even if the two countries don't have a good political relationship.

I wouldn't count on it, but it is possible. There is a lot of anti-Castro sentiment in the US, particulary among those of Cuban descent.

arigram · Sep 8, 2006

That movie Michael was very light hearted and entertaining, especially considering the weight of the subject: the transformation of a carefree spoilt boy to a revolutionary. Its not very political, its a very good coming-of-age movie. The actors are good and it keeps a fresh and youthful feeling to it even until the end where it gets heavier. I recommend it even to someone who doesn't care about Guevara. Great movie to spend a warm evening with a special someone.

And, yes, Ole, you made sense too even though I am still a bit sick and just had one Chimay...

Ole · Sep 8, 2006

arigram said:
And, yes, Ole, you made sense too even though I am still a bit sick and just had one Chimay...

In that case, I need more wine.

Has anyone heard of Alberto Korda?

arigram · Sep 8, 2006

Ole said:
Has anyone heard of Alberto Korda?

Isn't that the guy who took that famous picture that Ole mentioned?
I think there was a recent exhibition of his Cuban photos in Athens.

Amund · Sep 8, 2006

If I remember correctly, Che`s photography was shown in Aperture a couple of years ago, and he was quite good! IIRC.....

thebanana · Sep 8, 2006

Michael, I can echo the view that the movie was very well done. Worth a view with or without a bottle of wine! Of course, the world always looks a little better after a glass or two of the nectar.

copake_ham · Sep 8, 2006

thebanana said:
Michael, I can echo the view that the movie was very well done. Worth a view with or without a bottle of wine! Of course, the world always looks a little better after a glass or two of the nectar.

Ditto here.

The movie, BTW, is "Motorcycle Diaries" (at least that's the title in the US - may have different title elsewhere).

I saw it in the oddest way. I was on a returning flight from Munich to NY - a very "exclusive" all biz-class plane where you pick your own videos. The airline is called Privatair and is owned by SwissAir but licensed to Lufthansa. They run this fancy non-stopper b/w NY and Munich for business flier - nicknamed the "Bavarian Express".

So when I had the opportunity I picked out "MD" and found myself watching a version that had original Spanish dialouge dubbed into German and subtitled in English. Kind of ironic watching a "birth of a revolutionary" pic on an "exclusive" biz plane. Hey, global business, global revolution.

As someone said, it's a great "coming of age" flick and I highly recommend it. Some political overtones (i.e. upper middle class Argentinian med grad goes on road trip and discovers Latin American poverty - hence, life turning point) but also just a good "roadie" with some very funny scenes (such as the duck hunt).

BTW: there was a thread once on RFF that Che used a Nikon S2. I didn't think to look for "authenticity" when watching the movie. Anyone remember?

Oh, and I think this show was at Apeture - and I'm regretting missing it!

George Papantoniou · Sep 9, 2006

There's a picture of him holding an SLR (Nikon).

arigram · Sep 9, 2006

In the pamflets and posters from the exhibition, Ernesto holds both an RF and an SLR, but I can't tell what they are, maybe you can. I think somewhere in his books he writes about a change of camera but its been a while and I don't remember, but I don't think it was a capitalist Nikon, I think it must have been a socialist maker.
A did find in one small book about a fellow revolutionary Antonio Nuno Jimenez who tells a short story about a photograph he took of Che, Fidel and a war veteran, in which he used a Rolleiflex that was given to him by Guevara (strangely the photo on the book is rectangular).

Ah, only in APUG we are concerned with what camera did Che take his photos with!

EvgenyS · Oct 4, 2006

arigram said:
Ah, only in APUG we are concerned with what camera did Che take his photos with!

IMHO,
1. Che028.jpg - Pentacon Six (MF SLR made in GDR)
2. Che029.jpg - Start (Soviet made SLR camera)
3. Che030.jpg - not sure, but probably Kiev/Contax RF camera.

Daniel_OB · Oct 4, 2006

A photograph of Che by Korda is among the best photographs ever taken. It is close portrait with beret and star on it with no forced smile..... Politician and hero in the best ever seen in photography. Beside photograph of bandits in NYC this one might be share the best place ever.

www.Leica-R.com

Ernesto "Che" Guevara, the photographer, in Crete

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