Roger Cabán

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Roger Cabán (1942–2017), born in Isabela, Puerto Rico, moved to East Harlem in 1944. A U.S. Army veteran, he later became a self-taught photographer and community activist. In the 1960s–70s, he co-founded the collective En Foco, supporting photographers of color, and collaborated with Dolores Prida. Cabán studied sociology at Hunter College and worked in social services, education, and public programs, including roles with ASPIRA and New York City government. He also contributed to arts initiatives in Texas and New York. Later, he served his East Harlem community through Hope Community Inc. Cabán died in 2017 due to cancer.

Featured Artworks

Photograph of a man writing on subway tile, his writing among tags left by others before him. — Roger Cabán. Man Doing Graffiti, c. 1974. Included in the IRT Prayer Book. Photography. Image courtesy of the artist.

Six men pose together for a photograph. The black and white image of the men is overlayed with monotype text. — Roger Cabán. Gumpaya En Foco, 1975. Photography. Image courtesy of the artist.

Portrait of an older person in a windowsil wearing sunglasses and resting their head in their hand. — Roger Cabán. Doña Catana, España, 1978. Photograph. Image courtesy of the artist.

Resources

Roger Cabán Photograph Collection

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