Guerillero Heroico, 1960 ⓒ
Kordo Estate / La Fabrica
Whether you are interested in Cuba and/or the Cuban revolution or not, you have probably seen the famous picture of Che Guevara once in your life. This picture is one of the most reproduced photos in the world. The image of Che Guevara, wearing a black beret, shows Che’s strong and melancholic personality. It is a cultural icon representing the young world and progress. This photo was actually taken during the memorial service for the victims of the La Couvre explosion.
Revolutionary Lens, KORDA
Alberto Díaz Gutiérrez’s photographic career began when he took his father's Kodak 35mm and began taking pictures of his girlfriend. Alberto chose the name “Korda” because it was similar to Kodak, the brand famous for photography. He is less known to many Koreans but the famous picture of Che was actually taken by Korda.
de palo, 1959, ⓒ Korda Estate / La Fabrica
Korda Estate / La Fabrica
"My aim is to meet women. "
In the early years, Korda was interested in fashion photography, which allowed him to fulfill his desire for his favorite things: photography and beautiful women. Also, through this work he was able to establish his reputation as a premiere photographer. I quote what he said, “Nearing 30, I was heading toward a frivolous life when an exceptional event transformed me: The Cuban Revolution. It was at this time that I took a photo of a little girl who was clutching a piece of wood for a doll. I came to understand that it was worth dedicating my work to a revolution which aimed to remove these inequalities.”
Although Korda was successful in the fashion industry in Cuba, he gave up everything including wealth and honor to accompany Fidel Castro. As the only official photographer and friend, he always went with Fidel Castro. He depicted Fidel as a symbol of an ordinary and diligent worker.
People often say that nothing is eternal. I agree but after seeing this photo exhibition held at COEX, I changed my idea of eternity. The photos taken by Korda captured realistically the beauty of a young woman. I felt the person in the picture was alive and ready to move. Although Korda started his career as a fashion model photographer, he produced photos that capture not only what is physically shown but also those things that he saw through his mind and heart.
By So Hae-jin CP Reporter
so-hj@cnu.ac.kr