Maya Mother with Child, a photo from Chiapas, Southeast

Photographer's Note

Superficially, on the fringes of city life in San Cristobal de Las Casas hover the indigenous population. In reality, they form the nearly invisible fabric on which the entire city is founded. The Zapatista movement, for a more conscionable society and economic equity, has had its ups and downs, its sporadic violent phases and government reactions. Here, at night, is a young Mayan mother, with her child, walking home after her day's work in the city.

Ladycat, KevRyan trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

hadi1121 (0) 2006-01-11 16:51

Hi Animesh,
The picture is blurred but even that adds to the expressiveness of the pictures. Like Armed soldiers vs. a woman and her child. Nic composition and good shot.

Furachan (0) 2006-01-11 17:09

Wow, you've unleashed some serious photojournalism here. I applaud your POV here with the soldiers up front and the indigineous mother and child a fleeting figure in the background. Brilliant actually and certainly deserving of the broadest recognition on TE (hope many read this!)
Cheers,
Francis

Ladycat (293) 2006-01-11 20:59

Great photo and notes! Very controversial.

Thanks for sharing.

Salil_B (737) 2006-01-11 22:29

The woman's hurrying home and the security personnel standing alert together point to an atmosphere of fear that is reminiscent of certain Indian states. It is always the civic society that is held at ransom.
A touching and sensitive image, Animesh, that says a lot without spelling out anything.
Salil

rowanb (864) 2006-01-11 23:13

good juxtaposition of the soldiers against the woman and child. technically everything works well to convey the intentions of the image. well seen.

rosiegirl (1596) 2006-01-12 1:24

Great composition- It's a nice choice to bring the most attention to the subject thats the most out of focus. She seems so fragile compaired to the military men. Good work

Rosie

verde (957) 2006-01-12 18:12

The lady almost seems to be stealing away in the night, as if she is escaping something.

This is a very informative shot. Hopefully the cops didn't harass you too much. When I was down there they were none to pleased with any photographers.

thanks I am really enjoying all of your Zapatista themed pictures

KevRyan (22956) 2006-01-14 3:57

Hi Animesh

A very powerful relationship across the frame between the armed presence and the softer smaller fleeting presence of the woman and her child - what a contrast for a physically contrasty image - I really like the moment you've captured here and the sense of risk in being on these streets - including for you!

best wishes Kev