OAXACANS THROUGH THE EYES OF ENRIQUE LEYVA
Enrique Leyva is a photographer based in Puebla, Mexico. In this intimate series, he shares portraits shot in his hometown, Oaxaca.
“As a photographer with brown skin, I've noticed many flaws in Mexico's fashion industry that reinforce hegemonic ideas. I think it's time to showcase the diversity of beauty in Mexico, and I want to encourage the viewer to expand the media's visual vocabulary of Mexican people. I try to showcase a perspective of Mexico that doesn't lean on a European aesthetic. I want to express the authentic landscapes, textures, colors, and portraits of the Oaxacan people.”
Cristian was having a challenging time, so he returned to this hometown to reconnect with himself. This photograph is of the lake he grew up swimming in.
This photograph of Axayacatl was shot in Mercado Jamaica in Mexico City shot on Dia de Los Muertos. This day is an important holiday for Mexicans and specifically the Oaxacan people, and to celebrate, Axayacatl and I went to buy flowers in memory of our deceased ancestors.
Marlene is an Afro-Oaxacan model from a small town in Tlacolula. She took me to a location where she spent time with friends -- the light and space captured her peaceful energy.
Coyotl is a Native-American model born in the US. His mother is from Guanajuato. He longed to connect to his heritage, so he came to Oaxaca to learn more about his roots and family. In this image, a family had invited us to an Alebrije workshop to view their art.