A note one Melodius Thunk / Christopher Porche West’s Art Show in Santiago De Cuba

Right away in the dark they could quickly see the connection between the sister cities of Santiago De Cuba and New Orleans. Photo after photo moving slowly across the screen and the museum association audience began to ooh and ahhh at Christopher Porche West’s images of the two cities. At times it could be difficult to tell which photo was taken where, who was what – Santiagan or New Orleanian – which about sums it all up. Similar roots can produce similar rhythms and this was on full display throughout our month-long journey through Santiago’s pre-Carnival Invasion parades and culminating Carnival. Working hard long hours in the big heat everyday, it was not until our return did we realize what we kind of material we had… like nothing else.