Inside the Havana neighbourhood famous for its Afro-Cuban rumba

Images that give a flavour of the vibrant dance that’s part of life for the Pogolotti community

An international public art project is bringing together photography, dance and education to celebrate Afro-Cuban rumba in New York with an eclectic new programme this August.

Liquid Heat | La Rumba Llama by artist Jessica Angel is a photography installation celebrating the rhythms of Cuba and will be a part of Harlem Week, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary.

Angel has worked with renowned Afro-Cuban dancers and the Pogolotti community, a Havana neighbourhood famous for its rumba, to create a series of vibrant, life-sized photographs that capture the energy and passion of rumba.

The never seen before photographs will be accompanied by a custom-made soundtrack, including a reading by Alden Knight of one of Afro-Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén’s poems set to rumba percussion.

An international artist, working with photography, dance and the moving image, over the last 20 years Jessica Angel has captured dance on camera with exhibits at Raw Space, Harlem; United Nations, New York City; Museo Casa Guayasamin, Havana; and Laban Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Jerwood Space in London.

Liquid Heat was conceived by Angel to be a celebration of Latin and African-American culture, dance, photography and art for all. An expanded programme of exhibits and education is also planned in Havana and Rio de Janeiro, returning to Harlem in 2020.

Liquid Heat/La Rumba Llama is running 5 August to 30 September at Harlem Hospital Mural Pavilion, New York