Cusco Through the Lens of Martin Chambi

Cusco Through the Lens of Martin Chambi, Aracari Travel

Martin Chambi Photography in Cusco 

Martin Chambi was one of the first prominent indigenous Latin American photographers known for his dramatic black and white portraits and landscapes of the Peruvian Andes and its peoples. Chambi was not only able to gain access to the lives of those he documented but depicted and forever immortalized their daily lives, triumphs, struggles, passions and fears through photography. You can visit Martin Chambi’s permanent archives in Cusco with Aracari, and on a recent visit to Cusco I had the opportunity to see a one-off exhibition of his work.

Cusco Photography Exhibition

Now through October 19th oversized prints of Chambi’s images are on display across Cusco’s historic district, juxtaposed against the modern hustle and bustle of the emerging Andean city. The striking black and white images are presented in front of or alongside the actual streets and buildings they depict, allowing passersby to appreciate just how much Cusco has evolved in the last century. The exposition, an initiative of the Martin Chambi Photographic Archives in conjunction with Dartmouth College, showcases thirty two of Chambi’s prints in total and has already generated a resounding response from locals and foreigners alike.

As I am currently on a trip for Aracari in Cusco, I had the chance to walk around and see this public Martin Chambi exhibit. The images are evocative, and what I especially love is that it brings art to the people. Just today I came across about 10 of the prints and always found at least a few people studying the images, and in some cases, small crowds were discussing which part of the street the image depicted. It is a unique way to bring the work of Martin Chambi, one of Cusco’s most famous residents, to the people of Cusco and to visitors who may have never heard of the photographer.

Visit the permanent Martin Chambi Archives in Cusco

For a more exclusive look into the life and work of Martin Chambi, Aracari offers guests the opportunity to view the unique collection of original photographs equipment and personal notes of the influential photographer with a special access visit to the Martin Chambi archives in Cusco, led by Teo Allain.

Contact us for more information on visiting the Martin Chambi archives as part of a private, tailormade trip to Peru.

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