Innovative and Profound Vision Recognized
The innovative and profound vision of Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide was honored this Friday with the 2025 Princess of Asturias Arts Award. The jury praised Iturbide’s powerful images, inviting viewers “to look beyond the visible.”
The Scope of Iturbide’s Work
The jury highlighted in its decision Iturbide’s unique world, which spans “from the primitive to the contemporary; from the harshness of social reality to the spontaneous magic of the moment,” as stated in the act accompanying the award decision by the Fundación Princesa de Asturias, heir to the Spanish throne.
Early Life and Influences
Born on May 16, 1942, in Mexico City, Iturbide initially pursued film studies but became captivated by photography after attending classes by Manuel Álvarez Bravo (1902-2002), a contemporary and friend of photography giants like Frenchman Henri Cartier-Bresson.
Starting in the early 1970s, the young photographer accompanied Álvarez Bravo across Mexico but soon forged her own path, capturing in-depth images of her country and various locations in Latin America and around the world.
“Passion and Discipline”
With a celebrated body of work, Iturbide is the author of classic contemporary photography series such as her series on Sonoran desert’s Seri Indians (1978) and the book “Juchitán de las mujeres” about a town in Oaxaca.
However, her lens has also captured acclaimed images from around the world, including a series on India in collaboration with Brazilian photographer Sebastiao Salgado.
“To be a good photographer, you need passion and discipline. It can be right at your doorstep if you want. But of course, if you wish to explore the world and have a camera, it’s wonderful,” she explained in an interview with AFP.
Accomplishments and Recognition
Iturbide’s work has been exhibited in prestigious global art centers, including the Centro Pompidou in Paris and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. She has received numerous accolades, including Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters in France and Doctor Honoris Causa from Columbia College in Chicago.
Exceptional Achievement
The Arts award is the fourth of eight prizes in this edition of the prestigious ibero-American awards, granted annually by the Fundación Princesa de Asturias. Due to a massive power outage in the Iberian Peninsula on April 28, 2023, the announcement was postponed.
Previous Arts laureates include Spanish singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat (2022), composer Ennio Morricone, guitarist Paco de Lucía, singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, actresses Meryl Streep and Pedro Almodóvar, architect Óscar Niemeyer, and writer Eduardo Mendoza.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Graciela Iturbide? Graciela Iturbide is a renowned Mexican photographer, celebrated for her innovative and profound vision.
- What is the Princess of Asturias Arts Award? It’s a prestigious annual award given by the Fundación Princesa de Asturias to recognize outstanding contributions to the arts.
- Why is Iturbide’s work significant? Her photographs offer unique insights into social realities and everyday life, spanning from primitive to contemporary themes.
- What are some of her notable works? Notable works include the Seri Indians series, “Juchitán de las mujeres,” and collaborative work with Sebastiao Salgado on India.
- What other artists have received the Princess of Asturias Arts Award? Previous recipients include Joan Manuel Serrat, Ennio Morricone, Paco de Lucía, Bob Dylan, Meryl Streep, Woody Allen, Pedro Almodóvar, Óscar Niemeyer, and Eduardo Mendoza.
