Photography from hidden Cuba at Alliance Gallery

NARROWSBURG, N.Y. - An exhibition of photographs by Joe Guerriero titled “Santeria: Religion in Cuba” opens at the Alliance Gallery in the Delaware Arts Center on Saturday, Jan. 20, with an artists reception from 2 to 4 p.m. The exhibition will be on view through Feb. 9. Documentary/photojournalism/fine-art is the genre that best classifies Joe Guerriero’s personal photographic work. He prefers to photograph complete photo essays and in-depth projects on people and their cultural/religious diversity. His deep interest in faith, Cuba, and culture is what moved him to undertake the project of Santeria in Cuba. Santeria, which is called “the Religion” in Cuba, is one of the most misunderstood religions in the world. It’s rituals, music, dances and even animal sacrifices have been shrouded in secrecy for years. “The intent of my project is to offer a deep and sensitive look into this ancient religion that has thrived for centuries on this tropical isle,” said Guerriero. With access to a well-known and highly respected babalawo (high priest), the scope of his project is two fold: to document the babalawo’s life as it curiously parallels that of the traditional “house-calling” American country doctor, as well as to document Santeria and its relationship to the evolution of Cuba into the 21st century. Guerriero’s unprecedented access to previously unphotographed ceremonies illuminates some of the truths and philosophy about this religion that has so empowered the people of this culturally rich nation.  Guerriero explains, “I see Cuban Santeria as being the calm eye of the storm that is Cuban daily life, a storm where daily difficulties and economic struggle swirl maddeningly around. The practice of the religion helps bring peace of mind and practical answers to a people who seek access to the highest power i.e., God or Olodumare, through relationships, deeds, and rituals with the Orishas or lesser gods.” Guerriero grew up in Livingston, N.J. His interest in photography began at age 14 when he won a plastic Ansco camera from an ad on the back of a comic book. After serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War, he traveled throughout Europe and the Far East, settling for a time in Santa Cruz, Calif., where he studied music, photography, and photojournalism at Cabrillo College. Later he lived on Kauai, Hawaii studying photography at Kauai Community College. His photojournalism career began during a six-month photo journey throughout Central and South America where he documented the great Guatemalan earthquake of 1976 and continues today with numerous photojournalism awards and exhibitions. He currently lives in Sussex County, N.J. with his wife, Diana, and 12-year-old son, Joey and works out of his home doing location work for corporations, magazines, and advertising agencies. Guerriero is also an adjunct professor of photography at Sussex County Community College. This exhibit is sponsored by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, the Arts Council for Sullivan County, N.Y., and is made possible in part with funding from the Visual Arts Program of the New York State Council on the Arts. Alliance Gallery is located at the Delaware Arts Center at 37 Main Street, Narrowsburg, N.Y. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the exhibit call 845-252-7576 or visit www.ArtsAllianceSite.org.