“No es fácil”

No es fácil — it’s not easy In May of 2015 fine art photographer Walter Horishnyk was invited to photograph the band Charanga Tropical as they took part in a music festival in Cuba. Charanga Tropical became the first American ensemble ever invited to perform at the prestigious International Danzón Festival in Havana, Cuba. The biannual festival celebrates the musical style of danzón and features the top charanga bands in the world. When not photographing the band he set out to capture images of everyday life on the streets and markets of Havana. Havana is a dazzling place where Cuban culture shows how it has weathered political, social, and economic challenges for the past 45 years. History and resilience are evident in the eyes and attitude of the local people. If you spend enough time talking with people in Cuba, there is a phrase you are sure to hear “No es fácil” — it’s not easy.