Graciella Iturbide Des Oiseaux

A major figure of Latin-American photography, Iturbide’s approach combines the documentary and the lyrical. Off-centre compositions, graphic effects and heavy shadows create a universe where a feeling of strangeness is combined with one of harsh reality. The equilibrium of her compositions produces skies filled with birds, unexpected situations where chickens are pictured sitting wisely on market stalls; elsewhere, chirping flocks appear to invade the scene in agile, flowing movements.

An organic dimension, linked to blood, flesh, mud, sweat, and the earth also permeates most of Graciela Iturbide’s images, for she has a special relationship with reality, choosing to capture unique moments with her lens. Birds and men cohabit and rub up against each other. From India to Mexico, gulls, eagles, pigeons, herons, and ravens invade man’s space or insinuate their way into it in a serendipitous, solitary fashion. We feel both drawn and repulsed by the birds she photographs, their fragility and, on occasion, their menacing strength, catching our attention.