Five-thousand two-hundred feet above sea level, flanked by a rugged and isolating terrain that has been inhabited since 11,000 BC, the strong Earth energy continues to nourish the indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec. These warm, friendly, and caring people thrive in the ethos of customs and traditions, embracing ancient spirits with festivals and mystery, muting the ordinariness of everyday life with bright colors and intricate patterns on masks, sculpture, and fabrics.
The following images were captured during the Greasy Devil festival in Tilcajete, when young men put motor oil on their bodies and wear masks to run around the street looking for girls, trying to kiss or smear oil on them.
Preview the book of work produced by students of Maggie Steber.
THE JOKER (2016)
A stream-of-consciousness photo shoot in Miami's Wynnwood District during The Art Basel Festival. Induced by the stupor of bright, colorful, and kaleidescopic wall murals, these photographs are an attempt to distill the flamboyant images into their austere mysterious essence within the artists' subconscious. A blend of a man's death wish and an innate search for justice completes the narrative.
This work was shown at the Miami Historical Museum auditorium as part of the Miami 2016 Street Photography Festival, held in conjunction with the annual International Art Basel Festival.
