Amistad Gallery Opening - Fe A visual testament where faith - Alain Pantaleon
What:
Join us for our annual Amistad Gallery Opening featuring the work of photographer Alain Pantaleon - La Habana, Cuba - Miami, Florida.
When: Friday, October 18th 5:30 pm - 6;30pm
Where: Amistad Gallery Hallway - First Floor
Residents will officially view the curated art feature on the Du Bois first floor, celebrate the photographer, and enjoy food and beverages!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Would you like to learn more about the exhibit? Grab a sneak peak of the exhibit below:
Fe
A visual testament where faith and hope endure
by Santiel Rodriguez Velazquez Iact 3, 2024
The belief in the miracles of San Lazaro is central to the devotion of the Cuban people, representing not only a religious bond but also a source of hope and comfort in times of illness and despair. Through his syncretism associated with the Yoruba Orisha Babalu Aye, San Lazaro has gained deep significance as a healer and protector, especially among the most humble sectors of Cuban society, who see him as a figure that understands both physical and spiritual suffering.
In this photographic series, Alain Pantaleon captures the essence of that devotion, exploring how faith in San Lazaro becomes a beacon of hope amidst life's most difficult trials. The images reveal the intimate relationship between devotees and the saint, illustrating fulfilled promises, silent offerings, and personal sacrifice as acts of faith. The veneration of San Lazaro is not merely a religious expression but a collective act of resilience and solidarity.
One of the deepest aspects these photographs reveal is how San Lazaro, becomes an intercessor for miraculous healings. Devotees turn to him, trusting in his power to reverse illnesses and ease pain, knowing that his divine intervention is a tangible possibility. The images capture this act of faith in motion: the pilgrimages to the Sanctuary of El Rincon, bodies enduring physical sacrifices in search of miracles, and faces reflecting both gratitude and suffering in equal measure.
Pantaleon's work not only documents an act of devotion but also invites the viewer to immerse themselves in a mystique where the invisible becomes visible through faith. The untold stories of miracles, kept secret by many devotees, create an aura of mystery around San Lazaro. In these images, that mystery is partially unveiled, allowing us to glimpse how Cuban faith in San Lazaro transforms pain into hope and adversity into an opportunity for miracles.
These photographs not only illustrate Cuba's spiritual life but also remind us that faith in San Lazaro is a reflection of the Cuban people's resilience. Beyond religion, this devotion symbolizes resistance and unity in the face of daily hardships, a visual testimony that faith and hope endure, even in the darkest moments.