Chiapas Photography Project & Archivo Fotográfico Indígena

Since 1992, the Chiapas Photography Project has provided indigenous Maya peoples in Chiapas, Mexico with the opportunity to use photography for their own creative ends. As a result of CPP’s collaboration with indigenous photographers and with support from the Ford Foundation, the Archivo Fotográfico Indígena (AFI) was started in 1996. It consists of photographs and multi-lingual texts by more than 200 men and women photographers from ten ethnic groups and is located at CIESAS Sureste, an academic research center in San Cristóbal de Las Casas. In 2002 the photographers formed an independent association, Lok’tamayach Fotógrafos Mayas de Chiapas, to teach photography and promote the work of the photographers.

This exhibition showcases some of the diversity of works and activities produced in CPP/AFI. Selected works of two Indigenous women photographers – Juana López López and Antonia Girón Intzin - represent the diversity of style and content of the more than 200 photographers who have participated in CPP/AFI activities. Documentary photos, spanning the 17 years since the establishment of CPP, show the range of activities and communities involved in the project. The exhibition also features information about publications produced by CPP/AFI, a sample of publications featuring their work from popular and academic media, as well as small research collaborations between Indigenous photographers and volunteer researchers working with CPP/AFI.

CPP/ AFI and the individual photographers welcome invitations to participate in photography related activities – exhibitions, publications etc… Works displayed in this exhibition, as well the larger CPP/AFI collection are available for sale as photographic prints. Income from sales go to the photographers and the ongoing work of CPP/AFI. To obtain more information about CPP, volunteer opportunities, how to support CPP activities and the CPP endowment, or to purchase prints or books please contact Carlota Duarte [cduarte@rscj.org], Founder and Director, CPP/ AFI. Click here to read more extensive information about CCP including an exhibitions list .