Peruvian photographer Martín Chambi : exhibition in Granada


Cuzco, Arequipa….As an adolescent, my dreams took me to South America. Dreams unfulfilled yet but this new exhibition in Granada on Peruvian photographer Martín Chambi will sustain me for a bit. I will go and see it next saturday.

This is what Chambi wrote on the occasion of an exhibition in Santiago in 1936

“I have read that in Chile it is thought that Indians have no culture, that they are uncivilized, that they are intellectually and artistically inferior when compared to whites and Europeans. More eloquent than my opinion, however, are graphic testimonies. It is my hope that impartial and objective witnesses will examine this evidence. I feel that I am a representative of my race; my people speak through my photographs.”

He leido que en Chile se cree que los indios no tienen cultura, que son bárbaros que tienen una inferioridad mental y expresiva notables al lado de blancos y europeos. Pero me parece más elocuente que mi opinión, los testimonios gráficos. Me gustaria que los testigos imparciales y objetivos vieran este acervo….me siento como un representante de la raza; ella habla en mis fotografías



I took these pictures of Chambi's portraits outside the exhibition center. How can you not stop and be fascinated by the expressions on the faces, the greatness of the landscape...

Comments

The first photo should put paid to notions of so-called European superiority. This man's gaze is so serene and at the same time so proud. I love this photo.

Thanks.

Greetings from London.
Unknown said…
I have a weakness for Peruvian and north Argentinian culture, culturas de los Andes, I was seven when I travel to Salta and sow The coyas, I was fascinated, they are so special,and you know that I am still dazzled by them.
Unknown said…
and of course this sudaca girl has several things to say about superior European culture...sometime maybe I start writing seriously not yet...
Tess Kincaid said…
These vintage portraits are marvelous! I would have thoroughly enjoyed this exhibit, Lala! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Yoli said…
I agree with my fellow Cuban. The first photo should put any so called superiority to rest. Gorgeous.
Anairam said…
Beautiful photographs! (I love black and white photography.) I am wondering what they are sitting on in the last two photos - are those stones?
onesilentwinter said…
Stunning. Oh i want to see more of his work!
christina said…
Oh Lala, I want to see more of his work. You will let us know how you liked the collection, won't you?

; )
Kristen said…
beautiful pictures. what stories are there behind those faces?? One can imagine.
take care. Kristen
PS> yes ramadan will be over next week, so life will go back to a more normal rhythm. but the kids have enjoyed sleeping in!
Gabbi said…
extraordinary photos...i'd never heard of him before but thank you for introducing.
Mélanie said…
Iwould have loved to visit this exhibition
NS said…
Beautiful, thank you. I wish I could have seen this exhibit.
tangobaby said…
These photos look almost dreamlike. They are fascinating entirely--the faces, the clothing, the environment. I would love to see these in person.
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