An Overview of Photography in Chiapas

The photographic image has been a central element to the social, cultural and political discourse and history of southern Mexico, particularly the state of Chiapas for much of the 20th century. Any review of the main photographic works that have focused on Chiapas, reveals a broad range of techniques and styles for capturing “space” and “reality” stemming from the persistent and intense work of photographers in the region. This process has flourished decade after decade, with the continuous creation of narratives crafted by initiatives that have used photography as a tool for expression and action in Chiapas.

In the first phase of the project we are inviting photographers who have worked in the region to contribute to the integration of a representative selection of the distinct styles and visions that have distinguished photography as an art form in Chiapas in recent years. We are also seeking to compile representative photos from historical works taken in Chiapas by local and visiting photographers since photography was invented in the XIX century.

This process will feed into the new Photographic Documentation Center we seek to establish in Chiapas and the first will culminate with an exhibition at the end of 2020. We hope to be able to build on this effort by mobilizing resources to allow for greater exposure of the photographic work completed in the region through the design of an integrative timeline on our website and if possible the production of a printed publication.