Last chance to see

Graciela Iturbide: Shadowlines

Fri 14 Jun 2024 - Sun 22 Sep 2024

Discover the world of Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide (b. 1942, Mexico City) which she presents in black and white - or as she describes it, as "an abstraction of the mind."

Black and white image of a woman walking in the desert, her back is to the camera as she walks away

Last chance to see

Graciela Iturbide: Shadowlines

Fri 14 Jun 2024 - Sun 22 Sep 2024

Discover the world of Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide (b. 1942, Mexico City) which she presents in black and white - or as she describes it, as "an abstraction of the mind."

This event is part of our Past Programme

Iturbide is a master of metaphor and allegory...utterly compelling

- The Guardian

 Ultimately, I think photography is a ritual for me.

Graciela Iturbide 

Widely recognised for the poetry and introspection of her images, Graciela Iturbide captures her subjects with depth and sensitivity. Her photography offers a unique perspective on Mexican society, often exploring themes of Mexican culture, identity and belonging, by combining a documentary and humanist approach with an imaginative quality of image making.

Throughout her career, Iturbide has documented the lives of Indigenous people of Mexico, often living closely with them for months. She offers a glimpse into their rituals, traditions and struggles, capturing the resilience and dignity of her subjects.  

The exhibition includes works from several of her most iconic series, including Juchitán de las Mujeres (1979-1989), focusing on the matriarchal society of the Zapotec people of Tehuantepec, south-eastern Mexico. Having immersed herself in their lives for a decade, her photographs show the strength and vitality of the Juchitán women.

Black and white photograph of a woman with a crown of iguanas on top of her head

Our Lady of the Iguanas (Nuestra Señora de las Iguanas), Juchitàn, Mexico, 1979 © Graciela Iturbide, Courtesy Collection Leticia and Stanislas Poniatowski

Iturbide has travelled extensively, producing work in different areas in Mexico, Germany, Spain, Ecuador, Japan, the United States, India, Madagascar, Argentina, Peru and Panama.

Gradually, Iturbide's images have become devoid of people and her attention has focussed on materials, textures, nature and light. Whatever her subject, Iturbide has continued tracking the sunlight with her camera and experimenting with “shadow lines.”

To go off with my camera, observe, capture the most mythical part of man, then go into darkness, develop, choose the symbolism…

Graciela Iturbide

The exhibition is curated by Alexis Fabry in collaboration with Anna Dannemann, Senior Curator at The Photographers' Gallery. 

This exhibition has potentially triggering content. Please email for further information, or speak to a member of staff.

Black and white image of a book cover

Buy a book

Our Bookshop has a fantastic selection of books by Graciela Iturbide. Browse these and others inspired by our current exhibitions online or in store.

Buy now