Description
Join Magnum photographer Yael Martínez on a 7-day immersive workshop in the Sacred Valley of Cusco.
Under the guidance of Yael Martínez, inspired guest lectures and outings, participants will explore storytelling using the breadth of possibilities offered by photography.
This workshop will provide an intimate experience of Peruvian culture, bridging the gap between local artists and the traditions that inspire the development of a project which carefully considers the context in which it is produced.
Yael Martínez is known for telling critical stories with unconventional approaches. Over the week he will support participants in developing new work whilst they interrogate the very means through which they approach it. Participants will become familiar with issues surrounding:
- Representation
- Impact
- Collaboration
- Approach
Takeaways:
By the end of the workshop, participants should…
- Have a thoroughly planned and critically informed self directed body of photographic work
- Be able to demonstrate creative, visual, and technical abilities
- Have deeper understanding of the history of documentary photography in Peru
- Critically analyze photography within both historical and theoretical frameworks;
- Engage in informed, critical self-reflection and the ability to critique peers
- Demonstrate an understanding of editing photographs for different outputs
- Develop an understanding of the variety of ways in which photography can function as a means of personal expression and as a documentary record
About The Sacred Valley of Cusco
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 50 km north of the city of Cusco in Peru, and is home to a collection of ancient Incan ruins, including the citadel of Machu Picchu. Known for its picturesque mountain ranges, colourful vegetation and thriving Quechuan culture, it is by far Peru’s most visited destination, receiving millions of tourists each year.
The Valley is characterised by its traditional agricultural practices which mainly grow corn and hundreds of varieties of potatoes, symbolically rich textile artworks and, over the course of the last century, a thriving economy of tourism.
It has repeatedly been represented artistically and photographically, and Magnum’s eye is no exception, having welcomed Cornell Capa, Werner Bischoff, Martin Parr and Alex Webb to its hillsides. Still considered a top photographic destination for photographers all over the world, photographing it and its history has never been more sensitive or challenging given the ethical conundrums that come with unsustainable touristic practices, misrepresentation and a culture which increasingly relies on tourism to survive.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Sunday 01 October
Arrival at Maleza in Urubamba
Evening: Meet and Greet
Day 2: Monday 02 October
Location: Maleza, Urubamba
Morning:
– Program presentation with Yael Martínez, Alejandra Orosco and Paul Gambin (co-founders of Maleza)
– Participants introductions; lecture by Yael Martínez
Afternoon: A summary of the photographic representation of the Andes throughout history, with Alejandra Orosco and Paul Gambin
Day 3: Tuesday 03 October
Location: Cusco City
Morning: Visit to Martin Chambi Photographic Archive or shooting
Afternoon: Visit to Vigil-Gonzales Contemporary Art and Photography Gallery (optional) or shooting
Evening: Return to Urubamba
Day 4: Wednesday 04 October
Location: Ollantaytambo & Sacred Valley
Morning: Visit to Alqa Museum (optional) or shooting
Day: Shooting
Evening: Group Review
Day 5: Thursday 05 October
Location: Sacred Valley
Day: Shooting
Evening: Group Review
Day 6: Friday 06 October
Location: Sacred Valley
Day: Shooting
Evening: Group Review
Day 7: Saturday 07 October
Location: Maleza, Urubamba
Day: Editing and sequencing of the work shot the days before, in a group setting
Evening: Public Presentation of work in Maleza
