WSU Student Documents Exploration of Cuba in New Magazine ‘Off The Record’ to be Released Friday
NEWS
Digital photograph, Trinidad, Cuba by Patrick Johnson
This Friday, local artist Patrick Johnson will release his latest project, “Off the Record: Cuba,” a photojournalistic magazine that illustrates his journey to the Caribbean island in May. The trip was part of a two-week study abroad program through Weber State University, where Johnson studies communications.
He was drawn to Cuba for more than leisure and excitement; it was a project with a purpose. “My main focus was on how people communicate with each other across cultural boundaries,” he said. “Additionally, I spent a lot of time examining the effects of U.S. embargoes on Cuban people.”
Photo of Cienfuegos, Cuba captured with 500 HP film by Patrick Johnson
Digital photograph by Patrick Johnson, a community called "Fusterlandia" built by Jose Fuster
Johnson expresses his creativity through multiple mediums. In 2023 he released a full-length album, “Patrick’s ‘Good & Wholesome Things,’” as his solo music project Kids Don’t Float. To help fund the “Off The Record: Cuba” project he presented a photography exhibit, “Anatomy of the Soul,” earlier this year and rallied local organizations for support.
The experience in Cuba for Johnson, who hails from Clinton, emphasized the importance of community. “My biggest takeaway from the trip was how much the United States’ citizens would benefit from shifting their views from an individualistic mindset to thinking more about the community, being more involved in local politics and voting, and learning how to have constructive conversations with people that you may not agree with.”
The “Off The Record: Cuba” Magazine Release Party featuring “Faint of a Blur” photo gallery by Chloe Kinnavongsa will be held Friday, Aug. 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Happy Magpie Book & Quill located at 443 27th Street. Food and beverages are included, compliments of Lucky Slice Pizza and Uinta Brewing Co. Entry is free.
For more information or to preorder the magazine, visit Johnson’s Instagram page @pvtrickjohnson.