Tag Archives: weekly photo challenge

Weekly Photo Challenge: Hidden

Hidden behind Day of the Dead masks are two beautiful young women who attended the exhibition opening at the Centro Fotografico Alvarez Bravo last night.  The photography center, located at the corner of Garcia Virgil and M. Bravo is featuring the work of Mari Seder as well as others.  Oaxaca is a hub for the photographic arts and a mecca for photographers who have unlimited opportunities for subject material.  From landscapes to portraiture, Oaxaca offers beauty, mystery, and magic.

What is hidden is ultimately revealed.  During Day of the Dead the mask creates new identities that can be dramatic, grotesque, or fanciful.  Costumed children and adults parade through the streets.

At the close of the opening photography exhibition, after hundreds moved from gallery to gallery, after swilling Victorias and munching on a simplified version of memelitas — a crispy corn mini-tortilla with a schmear of black bean paste and a sprinkle of queso fresco — we awaited the 8 p.m. performance of mezzo-soprano with a ring of feathers protruding from her forehead.

That’s when we opted out of participating in the procession that followed and chose a lovely supper of tamal con mole negro at La Zandunga instead.

 

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Opportunity

Woman in Ocotlan Market. I was shopping for  a Tenancingo ikat shawl and this woman stepped into the stall to find a new head covering.  She was so beautiful and I didn’t want to let the opportunity to capture her pass.  I asked if I could take her photo.  The friend with her said, “she is hungry, can you give her a few pesos.”  I looked at her feet (below), and agreed. It was an opportunity for both of us! and, I am grateful to her for letting me into her life for this moment.

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Comfort

In the hammock, Oaxaca style

One of life’s simple pleasures is to put up our hammock, curl up with a book, and look out at the Oaxaca mountain peaks that surround us.  Most days are like this! Comfortable.  There are two or three weavers of handmade cotton hammocks at the Tlacolula market now.  They display their craft on Sundays — located toward the back corner of the market near the metates, machetes, ropes and bridles. Most of the hammocks in Oaxaca tend to be made of brightly colored synthetic yarn.  I opt for the more traditional, soft, cozy, comfy cotton, embraced.

Can I entice you to come to Oaxaca?