Mysticism of Time: Flor Garduño
Flor Garduño (@florgardunophoto) is one of Mexico's foremost photographers, finding inspiration in the people, nature, literature and art of her homeland. Deeply moved by the struggles of indigenous peoples, Garduño often draws on traditional Mexican culture, symbolism and folklore in her work.
The world of Garduño's black and white photography is a multi-layered and lyrical, steeped in myth and legend. It concentrates the characteristic elements of Mexican surrealism with mystical elements, but at the same time global archetypes and symbols that are understandable to everyone.
The world of Garduño's black and white photography is a multi-layered and lyrical, steeped in myth and legend. It concentrates the characteristic elements of Mexican surrealism with mystical elements, but at the same time global archetypes and symbols that are understandable to everyone.
Flor Garduño "Mysticism of Time"
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«Mexican culture is ancient and rich. Her influence on Mexicans is immeasurable. It is part of our nature, and thanks to it we see things in a concrete way.
I can't define my work as "Mexican" because I grew up here and this background is part of me. I think it may surprise other people who are not accustomed to this culture and its traditions».
In the world of Flor, surreal images overwhelm everyday life, blurring the line between the magical and the real to such an extent that even ordinary scenes can cause surprise in a person from a different environment. Perhaps it is for this reason that when capturing images of the Mexican environment, Flor Garduño creates not only anthropological photographs, but rather documents the magic present in everyday reality.
Flor always dreamed of becoming an artist, but her life changed in 1977, when she studied at the Academy of San Carlos and met a woman who became a real mentor for her. This person was Kati Horna (1912–2000), a Hungarian war photographer interested in surrealism, feminism and social issues in Mexico.
Flor always dreamed of becoming an artist, but her life changed in 1977, when she studied at the Academy of San Carlos and met a woman who became a real mentor for her. This person was Kati Horna (1912–2000), a Hungarian war photographer interested in surrealism, feminism and social issues in Mexico.
Kati Horna not only became Garduño's mentor, but also inspired her to explore social issues in art.
Acquaintance with other photographer Manuel Alvarez Bravo (1902–2002) during the same years is another significant event in the formation of Flor. She dropped out of the academy and worked as his assistant for two years.
Acquaintance with other photographer Manuel Alvarez Bravo (1902–2002) during the same years is another significant event in the formation of Flor. She dropped out of the academy and worked as his assistant for two years.
«Flor Garduño’s photographs capture landscapes, architecture, ceremonies, portraits and antiques, exploring the theme of time — past, present and future».
Animal masks, antique engravings, colorful glass eyes, human teeth, wooden hands, various soft toys, fruits and vegetables, shells, bird's nests, porcelain, buttons - all these items seem to be taken from a museum of unusual artefacts. At some point they all become an integral part of the photographs created by Flor Garduño.
International fame came to her after the publication of the book "Witnesses of Time", created during her travels in Central and South America, including Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.
The book was published in five languages and contains photographs taken by Flor Garduño in remote regions where indigenous peoples preserve ancient rituals of a thousand-year-old tradition.
International fame came to her after the publication of the book "Witnesses of Time", created during her travels in Central and South America, including Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.
The book was published in five languages and contains photographs taken by Flor Garduño in remote regions where indigenous peoples preserve ancient rituals of a thousand-year-old tradition.
Flor Garduño's photographs capture landscapes, architecture, ceremonies, portraits and antiques, exploring the theme of time - past, present and future. Her work shows the slow transition from life to death, interrupted by strange coincidences, children's games, religious ceremonies and then stillness.
The work of Flor Garduño leads the viewer into the mystical realm of the collective subconscious.
The work of Flor Garduño leads the viewer into the mystical realm of the collective subconscious.