Jamie Salazar Profiles Graciela Iturbide

While studying Contemporary Mexican Art for my BFA, I came across many various artists, utilizing all sorts of styles and mediums to produce their very own voice of art.  One great example of these talented individuals is Graciela Iturbide.  

Born and raised in Mexico City, she started out studying film and cinematography at age 27, however she quickly found herself much more drawn towards the art of still photography.  Her works range from very humanistic and cultural reflections to deep, dark, and abstract statements.  She is a real expert at capturing the emotion from both her subject as well as reveal a little of her own.  

In the collection of images “Travel Notebook” she really utilizes the contrast which comes from black and white film photography to convey emotion.  Each photo contains a great use of very clean and clear bright whites, as well as deep, dark, sharp blacks.  The photos each project a sort of distance or loneliness, almost as a home sick view of her travels.  This longing to be somewhere, in an “Are we there yet…?” statement can also be observed throughout the works.  

Iturbide has a very influential voice in the Contemporary Mexican Art world.  She is someone to look up to and to keep looking towards, her works will continue to reflect the people, culture, and expression of her heritage, life, and times.