Los Cubanos: Searching for Cuba’’s Soul

Volker Figueredo Véliz, born in 1953 as Volker Büffel, worked for almost forty years in various functions at a large computer manufacturer. After accepting an early retirement offer, he moved to Cuba, where he met his wife. As a photographer, he has made a name for himself around the world with his photo series about Cuba. He lived in Havana for several years, found his photographic inspiration there, and also conducted photo workshops in Cuba for photographers from all over the world. With his Leica he is always looking for that which is typical of Cuba, but which is rarely seen--or cannot be seen--by holiday-makers or visitors. The fact that he also took root in Cuba with his family has made it possible for him to win the trust of the people. He gained access to a world behind the scenes of what tourists usually see, from the everyday, to the manners and customs, to the joys and sorrows of the Cubans. Figueredo’s black and white photographs, which at first are not associated with colorful Cuba, appear authentic and remain etched in the viewer’s memory. His series Cuba Inside was exhibited in several galleries in Germany. Figueredo has lived in Germany with his wife and daughter since 2018, but continues to visit Cuba whenever possible.