A Shadow Born of Earth: New Photography in Mexico - Softcover

Elizabeth Ferrer

9780917418969: A Shadow Born of Earth: New Photography in Mexico

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0917418964 ISBN 13: 9780917418969

Publisher: American Federation of Arts/Universe Publishing, 1993

Since the early part of this century, photography in Mexico has been dominated by a style closely associated with such artists as Tina Modotti and Manuel Alvarez Bravo. Reminiscent of a photojournalistic sensibility, this style of straight black-and- white photography arose in the mid-1920s and proved instrumental in the stylistic development of the medium in Mexico for the next sixty years. In the last decade, however, experimental approaches have contributed tremendously to the evolution of photography in that country. Not only are younger photographers investigating diverse, nontraditional means of creating and presenting imagery, but also, those committed to straight photography are imbuing their images with new meaning, as both kinds of photographers aim to create work relevant to the complex culture in which they live. Mexican photographers are frequently linked by similar iconography and concerns. Foremost among these is a keen awareness of their country's remarkable cultural legacy and the powerful impact it has long had in forming a national identity. This cultural legacy includes the traditions of sophisticated pre-Hispanic cultures; the impact of colonization, Spanish culture, and Catholicism; a revolution early in this century that decisively altered the nation's political, economic, and social frameworks; and the continuing presence of indigenous people - a constant reminder of the country's rootedness to the past. Young Mexican photographers draw freely from their rich history, exploring issues of identity, spirituality, and the current state of Mexican society.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.