Alfredo Ramos Fernández
Surfing Buena Vista

Surfing Buena Vista
Surfing Buena Vista
Surfing Buena Vista
ArtistCuban, born 1964
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
Not on view

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.

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