Marucha (1944–1991)

Cuban photographer, cartoonist, and graphic designer . Born Maria Eugenia Haya in 1944, in Havana, Cuba; died in Havana in 1991; studied at the Instituto Cubano de Arte e Industria Cinematográfica (1962–63), the Biblioteca Nacional de José Marti (1964–65), and with painter Raúl Martínez (1965–66); attended Havana University (1972–78); married Mario García Joya (director of photography at the Instituto Cubano de Arte e Industria Cinematografía); children: Mayitín and María.

Born Maria Eugenia Haya in Havana, Cuba, in 1944, Marucha was involved in photography, film, and the graphic arts throughout her adult life. She studied the history of photography under Mario Rodríguez Alemán at the Instituto Cubano de Arte e Industria Cinematográfica from 1962 to 1963, also acting as the institute's cartoonist and animator from 1962 to 1964. From 1965 to 1966, she studied photographic theory with Adelaida de Juan at the Biblioteca Nacional de José Marti. Marucha became a photographer for the Chamber of Congress in Havana in 1970, a position she would hold for eight years, and served as a researcher and script supervisor for filmmaker Tomás Gutierrez Alea in 1975 and 1978. Marucha also studied philology at Havana University from 1972 to 1978. The breadth and quality of her art was recognized by her selection as a member of the Unión Nacional de Escritores y Artistes Cubanos.

Marucha's work took first prize from the union's National Salon as well as the Salon of the University of Havana in 1978, and she organized an exhibition on the history of Cuban photography which was presented in Mexico in 1979. She also played a key role in organizing the Coloquio de Fotografía Latinoamericana in Havana in 1984.

sources:

Rosenblum, Naomi. A History of Women Photographers. Paris and London: Abbeville Press, 1994.

Grant Eldridge , freelance writer, Pontiac, Michigan