New Book Cuba TV Focuses on Island's Television Culture

Photos courtesy of Mark Batty Publisher.

TVs in Cuba are also in a time warp.

​Remember back in the day when the whole family sat around the living room watching the Honeymooners or The Ed Sullivan Show or Bonanza on a behemoth boob tube and stand that took up half of the space in the room. Of course you don't. But trust us, televisions - much like fashion models - used to have some flesh on them before they became these paper thin objects we ogle and hang on a wall.

Nowadays, the better the TV the less floor space it takes up. Unless, of course, you live in the time warp better known as Cuba. Word is Ed Sullivan is still kicking around on the island nation and televisions still dominate the homes. So much so in fact that photographer Simone Lueck published a book, Cuba TV, documenting dozens of these iconic televisions she shot while in Castro's backyard.

Limited channels, but not limited style.

​While most the images we see coming out of Cuba are of its dilapidated buildings, Fifties cars, and other remnants of a communist regime long out of touch, Lueck focuses on the inside of Cuba's modest homes and apartments and the light radiating out of them. She spent time documenting the televisions on a visit in 2000 and shot the TVs with her trusty 35mm lens.

Check out Che's watchful eye.

​Cubans don't have access to Direct TV or Dish Network, though they are starting to put out some rad Zombie movies. Instead there are only a few state-run stations with a novellas, news, sports, and maybe a rally or two for the bearded one broadcasting. But limited options don't translate into less viewership, according to Lueck, who says the televisions are always on during broadcast hours.

Nice tat.

​The photographer is based out of Los Angeles and is having an opening reception for the book in California this Saturday (see telenovela style video invite at end). There's also a New York City event planned for September 21, but as of yet publishers don't have a Miami event scheduled. That may change.

Everybody loves TV.

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