Historical Mexican Portraiture The Subject Of New Photography Book

by Laurel Miller on

Since the invention of the camera, portraiture has been an important part of the cultural history of Mexico. Now, a new book, “Mexican Portraits” (Aperture, $85) curated by photographer and editor Pablo Ortiz Monasterio, beautifully captures the essence of this complex country’s people.

The goal of Monasterio’s book, however, is about more than mere imagery. According to CNN, the author was also interested in focusing on recurring themes, “such as lucha libre wrestling, or occupational portraits.

For anyone interested in Latin American history, black-and-white photography, or portraiture, “Mexican Portraits” is a striking, often haunting, story of a country rich in diversity, culture and humor, as well as defined by economic, religious and political instability.

Click here for a slide show from the book.

[Photo credit: Aperture]

One for the Road: China – People, Place, Culture, History

by Kelly Amabile on

It’s been awhile since I’ve talked about China. But I’ve been thinking about the country this evening while admiring DK’s new book about the Asian empire. Seems a good time to tell ya about it — China: People, Place, Culture, History is a massive tribute to the country, with over 700 specially commissioned images by world-class photographers.

The photos are grouped around themes: landscape, history, people, culture and architecture. The book sets the scene with stunning images of the mountains, plateaus and plains of China’s three “steps” and then follows with a chronological look at the dynasties that ruled throughout the country’s 4,000-year history. The people section does a spectacular job of peering into daily life in China with profiles of craftsmen, farmers, children, religious, artists, business people and retirees. Cultural traditions are also captured with vivid color and descriptions — calligraphy, opera, literature and philosophy are all explored. And to complete the collection, an architecture section marks the nation’s transformation through its buildings — from ancient courtyards to modern skyscrapers. Anyone with affection for China will want a copy of this spectacular look at the evolution and every day life of a world superpower.