Manny Ruiz Launches 'Surreal Cuba' Photo Book Documenting Revolutionary Cuba's Special Period

Award-winning photographer and media entrepreneur Manny Ruiz will unveil his latest photographic work, 'Surreal Cuba', at the University of Miami's Cuban Heritage Collection on February 19. The book launch event will feature a Q&A session and pop-up photo display, providing insights into Ruiz's documentary project capturing life during Cuba's tumultuous 'Special Period' from 1993 to 1994.

At just 23 years old, Ruiz documented the haunting realities of Cuban society during a critical economic and social transition. His interactive photo book includes QR codes that provide deeper context to each image, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of the historical moment.

The event will allow attendees to explore Ruiz's evocative photography, hear firsthand accounts of his creative process, and engage in discussions about art, history, and the Cuban diaspora experience. Selections from the 'Surreal Cuba' collection, which is partially archived in the University of Miami Libraries, will be on display.

Ruiz, a Miami-born photographer of Cuban descent, brings extensive experience in media and storytelling to this project. With over 30 years in U.S. Hispanic media and a co-recipient of a Pulitzer Prize, he has established himself as a significant voice in documenting cultural narratives.

The book launch represents more than a photographic exhibition; it is a critical exploration of a pivotal moment in Cuban history. By providing intimate visual documentation of the 'Special Period', Ruiz offers a nuanced perspective on societal resilience during economic hardship and political uncertainty.