Alfredo Ramos Fernández
Surfing Buena Vista

Surfing Buena Vista

© 2007 Alfredo Ramos Fernández and Katarzyna Badach

Surfing Buena Vista
Surfing Buena Vista
ArtistPolish-German, born 1975
CultureCuban
Titles
  • Surfing Buena Vista
Date2012
MediumSingle-channel video, sound
Dimensions3 minutes, 30 seconds
Credit LineThe Madeleine P. Plonsker Collection, museum purchase funded by the Caroline Wiess Law Accessions Endowment Fund
Object number2022.626
Current Location
The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building
Gallery 208
Exposé

Explore Further

Department
Photography
Description

In Havana’s Buena Vista neighborhood, teenagers face limited options to combat boredom. They eagerly anticipate rainy days for “surfing,” a favorite pastime of hanging off vehicles circulating the avenues, despite it being illegal and dangerous. All that’s required is a torrential downpour and a pair of shoes from which they can tear off the soles. Mostly filmed from a bicycle so as not to intrude on the subjects, the video depicts a scene contrasting with the typical image of surfing—blue skies, fair skin, and wealth.


ProvenanceThe artist, Havana, Cuba; purchased by Madeleine P. Plonsker, Glencoe, Illinois, 2016; purchased by MFAH, 2022.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

from the series Surfing Buena Vista
Alfredo Ramos Fernández
2007
Gelatin silver print
2024.271
from the series Surfing Buena Vista
Alfredo Ramos Fernández
2007
Gelatin silver print
2024.273
from the series Surfing Buena Vista
Alfredo Ramos Fernández
2007
Gelatin silver print
2024.272
from the series Surfing Buena Vista
Alfredo Ramos Fernández
2007
Gelatin silver print
2024.270
Still of video
Josh Azzarella
2006
Single-channel video, edition 5/7 + 3 AP
2013.336
Untitled
Alfredo Ramos Fernández
2006
Chromogenic transparencies, light box
2022.593
Untitled
Alfredo Ramos Fernández
2017
Inkjet print in illuminated box
2022.594
Epilogue
Alfredo Jaar
1998
Single-channel video, color, silent, edition 1/6
2005.189
Ascension
Bill Viola
2000
Single-channel video and stereo-sound installation, edition 3/3
2001.152
Willow Boughs 1887
Christopher Pearson
2005–2007
Single-channel video, edition 1/3
2007.1189
Backwards
William Wegman
1970
Single-channel digital video, transferred from Sony CV 1/2-inch video tape, black-and-white, sound
2019.402.14
Mixer
William Wegman
1970
Single-channel digital video, transferred from Sony CV 1/2-inch video tape, black-and-white, sound
2019.402.13