Che Guevara is often written about as the "Argentinian revolutionary doctor." A physician from Argentina, Guevara joined the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s, arriving in Cuba in 1959 with a group of rebels from Mexico. However, little is said about his expertise as a photographer. Guevara was not only a seasoned personal photographer but also worked as a professional photojournalist for the Argentine agency Agencia Latina in 1955, covering the Pan-American Games in Mexico at the age of 27. At the time, he was also working as an allergist at the General Hospital of Mexico and lecturing at a Mexican university. That same year, Guevara met Fidel Castro and his group.
Pre-Cuban Revolution Photography
Guevara practiced photography extensively throughout his life, beginning in his youth with his father’s camera, which he kept by his side from then on. He photographed his family, friends, and various locations in Argentina. His work included street photography, portraits, and even self-portraits. During high school, Guevara founded a school newspaper in Argentina, publishing both his writings and photographs. He graduated with honors, leaving a lasting mark as the founder of the newspaper.
One of Guevara's most famous pre-revolutionary photography projects was documenting his 1952 motorcycle journey across Latin America with his friend Alberto Granado. This journey, which began in Buenos Aires and ended in Caracas, Venezuela, was the foundation of his Motorcycle Diaries, published in 1995, featuring photographs he took along the way. His camera and journal captured the struggles of impoverished farmers and indigenous communities in Latin America, deepening his sense of social injustice and shaping his revolutionary vision.
In 1955, Guevara signed a contract with Agencia Latina, covering events such as fencing matches at the Pan-American Games, where his fellow Argentine Raúl Martínez won gold. However, his involvement with Fidel Castro's revolutionary group that same year interrupted his photojournalism career. Despite this, Guevara continued personal and free-form photography.
Guevara's first paid photography job was after arriving in Mexico in 1954, where he struggled to find work as a doctor. He bought a camera and darkroom equipment, taking photos of families and couples in parks and personally delivering their prints. Eventually, he secured a position as an allergist at the General Hospital and a contract with Agencia Latina.
Photography During the Revolution
Guevara’s passion for photography endured during the Cuban Revolution. His camera accompanied him alongside his rifle, as he believed in the historical importance of documenting revolutionary and social movements. While there is speculation he took photos aboard the Granma, the yacht that brought the revolutionaries to Cuba, no such images have surfaced.
Guevara photographed Cuban peasants, indigenous communities, and his fellow revolutionaries. He often used a timer to take group photos, displaying technical and artistic intent beyond mere chance. Although his revolutionary duties as a leader and medic limited his ability to photograph extensively, a significant collection of his photos from this period remains. His son, Camilo, published some of these images through the Che Guevara Studies Center in Havana, including them in traveling exhibitions.
Post-Revolution Photography
After the Cuban Revolution’s success, Guevara held government positions, such as Minister of the Economy and President of the National Bank. Yet he prioritized establishing a media apparatus to support the revolution and counter U.S. propaganda. He proposed and helped establish Prensa Latina, a news agency, appointing Argentine journalist Jorge Masetti to implement the vision.
Personally, Guevara continued photography, capturing images during state visits and diplomatic trips. Despite his official duties, he found time to document cities and events on the sidelines of meetings and celebrations.
In 1965, Guevara left his official roles and Cuban citizenship to pursue his global revolutionary aspirations. He traveled to Congo to support pro-Lumumba forces, capturing numerous photographs during this campaign. Though some of these images were published, others remain unseen.
Guevara later returned secretly to Cuba before heading to Bolivia in disguise to lead another revolutionary effort. Upon his capture in Bolivia, authorities found approximately 12 undeveloped film rolls among his belongings. These rolls, documenting the Bolivian revolution, were confiscated and have not resurfaced.
Che Guevara’s Visual Legacy
Guevara's photography reveals a multi-faceted individual with a sharp awareness of the power of images to document, inspire, and bear witness. From his early days in Argentina to his revolutionary campaigns, his camera served as a tool for visual storytelling, capturing moments of personal and historical significance that continue to resonate today.
By Mohammad Hannon / originaly written in Arabic and published in Arabic newspapers.
Palestinian-Jordanian Photographer
