TARA WILKINSON I CUBA
WAITING

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In the Spring of 2021, unable to travel and frustrated by the pandemic lockdowns, photographer Tara Wilkinson decided to travel back through her photo archives to fulfill her wanderlust. Delving into three decades of images from journeys to over 25 countries, she was particularly drawn to those from warmer climes.

Images of daily life in Cuba began to bubble to the surface.

Her exhibition "WAITING" became an invitation to travel again – at least visually - through the villages along the north coast of Cuba.

Taken during several trips between 2014 and 2018, the series of raw black and white street photographs allows the viewer to observe a remarkable amount of truth. In curating the exhibition, Wilkinson was careful to strike a balance between individuals and crowds, friends and families, children and seniors, neighbours and strangers … all waiting in different environments.

​"Waiting is hard. Waiting requires patience. It requires us to let go, render oneself helpless, to trust that whatever we are waiting for will arrive. If there’s been one overriding universal experience during the pandemic, it’s been “Waiting” - waiting for the pandemic to end, for a vaccine, for the fear to subside, for a chance to hug family and friends again. Waiting for a return to normal.

This is every day in Cuba … waiting in line for food or medicine, for transportation, for someone to come home, waiting for change to happen. Everyone is waiting."

While there is obvious hardship, you can also find hope in these images … the artificial flowers on a woman’s sandals, friends deep in conversation, a plastic bag dancing in the wind at an intersection. The pandemic tested our mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. It tested our relationships, our resolve and patience. ​Sometimes, all we can do is WAIT."

​All images © Tara Wilkinson.

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Click on any image below to see it in a larger format
​and to listen to the corresponding audio file.​

Framed prints are available for purchase through the gallery.

The ATM
Caibarién, Cuba, 2017
20"h x 30"w, matted & framed
$1,500

Three Stories
Havana, Cuba, 2018
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Intersection
Camajuani, Cuba, 2017
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Stiff Upper Lips
Havana, Cuba, 2018
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

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Cheeks
Santa Clara, Cuba, 2017
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Neighbourhood Watch
Havana, Cuba 2018
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Rocking
Caibarién, Cuba, 2017
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Perch
Santa Clara, Cuba, 2017
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Adrift
Havana, Cuba, 2018
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Heroes
Santa Clara, Cuba, 2017
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Flowers at her Feet
Havana, Cuba, 2018
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Cowboys
Remedios, Cuba, 2017
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Threshold
Havana, Cuba, 2018
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Weathered
Havana, Cuba, 2018
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Shady Gossip
Caibarién, Cuba, 2017
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Crouching Tiger
Caibarién, Cuba, 2017
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Bedroll
Havana, Cuba, 2018
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Farmacia
Havana, Cuba, 2018
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

The Bouncer
Havana, Cuba, 2014
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Nowhere to Grow
Havana, Cuba, 2018
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

Birdcage
Caibarién, Cuba, 2017
20"h x 30"w, matted & framed
$1,500

Dalmation Blue
Varadero, Cuba, 2018
20"h x 30"w, matted & framed
$950.

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Protection
Caibarién, Cuba, 2017
15"h x 11"w, matted & framed
$500

Boy in the Backseat
Varadero, Cuba, 2014
11"h x 15"w, matted & framed
$500

A REKNOWN GALLERY

Creativity exudes from the moment you drive onto the property at ANDARA Gallery. Andrew and Tara are more than just artists. Their genuine hospitality shows that they truly care about welcoming you and taking the time to have you learn about the uniqueness of their fine art encaustic paintings and photography. A renown gallery if you're looking for an exceptional piece, and not to be missed when you visit PEC any time throughout the year.

L. Erskine