Miami, Fl – The Miami-Dade Public Library is proud to present the South Florida premiere of the photographic exhibition Presenting Celia Cruz by accomplished Cuban-born photographer Alexis Rodríguez-Duarte, as part of the Library’s 2004 Hispanic Heritage celebrations. The Main Library’s exhibit showcases photographic selections from a book of the same title and celebrates the life of the legendary Cuban singer in a remarkable collection of pictures. Celia’s quiet backstage moments and explosive live performances are caught by Rodríguez-Duarte’s lens, celebrating the woman, the artist, the diva, friend, and mentor, the many facets of Celia’s extraordinary life.
A longtime friend of Celia’s, Rodriguez-Duarte was the only photographer
granted exclusive access into her private life. Now for the first time, he shares many never before published images and recounts the stories that span over 15 years of their unique photographic collaboration -- from glamorous photo sessions and dramatic concert shots to behind-the-scenes footage and candid personal moments.
The images in PRESENTING CELIA CRUZ are the only complete contemporary photographic series of Celia Cruz in existence. The book begins with a short introductory essay by Alexis Rodríguez-Duarte and is followed by anecdotes from celebrity friends of Celia and specially commissioned essays by acclaimed authors Guillermo Cabrera Infante, Lydia Martin and Liz Balmaseda. Its chapters are devoted to specific themes, photo shoots or events.
Presenting Celia Cruz is showcased at the Main Library Auditorium, 101 West Flagler Street through December 2004. Admission is free of charge. For additional information on Hispanic Heritage programs, please call (305) 375-BOOK or visit www.mdpls.org.
The Team
Book author ALEXIS RODRIGUEZ-DUARTE is an internationally renowned photographer whose work frequently appears in magazines such as The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Town & Country, and Harper’s Bazaar. Known for his elegant fashion photographs and celebrity portraits, his subjects have included Gloria Vanderbilt, Gianni Versace, Madonna, Andy Garcia, and Gloria Estefan, to name a few. Alexis’ work has been featured in numerous books and exhibitions around the world. In October 2004 his images of Celia Cruz will be highlighted in an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institute.
TICO TORRES is a leading fashion stylist who, in addition to styling many of the photo sessions with Celia Cruz, has collaborated with Alexis Rodriguez-Duarte since the beginning of his career. With clients which include Burdines, Max Mara, Vanity Fair and People magazine, Torres has also styled and produced photography shoots for such legendary photographers as Richard Avedon, Norman Parkinson and Bruce Weber.
The book’s creative director - KEVIN KWAN - directs creative projects in collaboration with leading publishers, artists, writers and companies. Since working with the graphic designer Tibor Kalman, Kwan has been involved in the creative direction, photo editing and production of numerous acclaimed visual books including Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry, (un)Fashion by Tibor + Maira Kalman, and The Shuberts Present: 100 Years of American Theater. His clients include Harry N. Abrams, Simon & Schuster, The New York Times, and Rockwell Group.
Media Contact: Marivi Prado 305.375.5180 |
