Oaxaca Photographer Fabricio Barroso Cruz

Fabricio Barroso Cruz was born in Oaxaca de Juárez, a metropolis he describes as “one of the most beautiful in Mexico.” He makes use of his full title as his inventive identification, and underneath that title, he has developed a photographic voice deeply rooted in his environment. “The richness in architecture, art, gastronomy, and culture makes it a unique, deeply inspiring place,” he says. For Fabricio, Oaxaca is an infinite supply of inspiration.

 

 

“In our state, traditions and art forms are born that cannot be found anywhere else, which has directly influenced my vision and the way I create. The people I meet, both familiar and new, become a constant source of inspiration; they motivate me to see the world with a unique perspective, shaped by the beauty and diversity of this community.”

He found images round 2010, “capturing images without much technical knowledge, using my cell phone camera.” Eventually, somebody lent him a digital SLR digital camera, which sparked a deeper curiosity. “I experimented until I could achieve the compositions I had in mind.”

 

 

A serious turning level got here when he enrolled in a darkroom growth course and later studied on the Centro Fotográfico Álvarez Bravo. “There, I discovered how fascinating it is to be deeply involved in the entire process.” This expertise gave him the self-discipline to be extra exact along with his pictures and confirmed his determination to pursue images as a method of private expression.

Artistic sensitivity runs in Fabricio’s household—notably by way of music. “Music is something I also learned and that, over time, helped me develop patience,” a top quality he now applies to his photographic course of.

 

 

He proudly notes that “approximately 90% of what I know I have learned in a self-taught way,” by way of learning books, studying articles, and immersing himself within the work of photographers he admires. This curiosity led to deep experimentation along with his craft. Over time, he additionally participated in workshops with revered mentors like Juan Carlos Reyes and María Luisa Santos Cuéllar, who taught him to develop his personal prints within the darkroom.

For Fabricio, images is an intimate and emotional type of expression. He attracts inspiration from the phrases of artist Juan José Gurrola: “Being faithful to a discovery is like photographing your own guts.”

“In every photograph there is something of me; it’s a way to express what I feel or what inspires me about a scene that I couldn’t describe with words,” he says.

 

 

His major focus is road images, typically infused with a documentary sensibility. “I try to get involved in the scene, talk to people, and understand the context behind what is happening in that moment.”

He is equally drawn to city images, fascinated by how individuals transfer by way of and work together with the visible panorama of town. “I am fascinated by how colors, shadows, and urban art interact with people, creating a unique blend of life and landscape.”

 

 

Being a photographer in Mexico is each a privilege and a problem. “The most rewarding part of being a photographer in my country is being able to get to know people, places, and traditions more deeply. I am excited to discover the context behind each scene I photograph, to understand why certain elements are there and what their origins are. It’s like a way to connect with the history and stories surrounding each image.”

 

 

At the identical time, he acknowledges the issue of standing out in a saturated house. “The number of photographers, both local and visiting, in cities like Oaxaca results in the repetition of the same images or places, so I am always looking for ways to bring something different—something more personal and unique in every shot.”

 

 

His method to taking pictures is each intentional and minimal. “Before going out to photograph, I carry with me my cell phone camera and a compact film camera, as this allows me to travel light, walking the streets or using public transportation without drawing too much attention.”

What he seeks are spontaneous, significant moments. “I like to portray the everyday life of my city—those moments that seem insignificant but, when captured, reveal something profound. If something strikes me because of its aesthetics or the feeling it evokes, then I photograph it.”

 

 

One of Fabricio’s most significant experiences occurred in Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, in the course of the Octava de Santiago Apóstol in August 2019. “It was a learning experience—not only about the people and their traditions but also about myself. Throughout the trip, each day offered something new: New stories, new faces, and even new flavors, like food I had never tried before. Everything inspired me to capture it.”

 

 

Two images from that journey earned notable recognition. Trompeta, Chirimía y Tepanaxtle obtained an honorable point out from the celebrated Mexican photojournalism company Cuartoscuro and was revealed in Eyeshot journal (subject 12) in Italy.

“It was the first image to receive an honorable mention from an important national outlet, which gave me a lot of confidence and showed me that I was on the right path, growing as a photographer.”

The picture exhibits three males taking part in conventional devices in the course of the celebration. “What makes this photograph special is that the musicians were present throughout the entire event: accompanying the saint during the procession, at the community meal, and at the jaripeo, where I took the photo. I captured this moment in perfect backlight, which highlighted the silhouette of the musicians as they waited in front of the corral where the event was to take place.”

 

 

Meanwhile, Octava de Santiago Apóstol was included within the Anthology of Mexican Street Photography and exhibited at FOCA 2022 in Tabasco, hosted by Observadores Urbanos.

“These achievements are important to me, not only for the recognition but because they reflect the essence of that trip and everything I learned from the people of Yalalag.”

 

 

Today, Fabricio continues engaged on an ongoing photographic sequence documenting each day life on the streets of Oaxaca. It’s a mission rooted in curiosity and love for his metropolis.

“I am currently working consistently on a photographic series that documents the streets of my hometown… My goal is to create images where colors, shapes, and textures harmoniously blend with human figures, highlighting their presence without altering the context.”

 

 

“This project is an invitation to look more closely at our surroundings, to recognize the poetry that arises when art, color, architecture, and everyday life meet spontaneously.”

A key reminiscence that formed Fabricio’s follow occurred throughout a workshop with Juan Carlos Reyes. “In one of the exercises, he challenged us to approach a stranger and take their photograph… It was hard to overcome my shyness and learn that the key wasn’t just taking photos indiscriminately but first approaching people, chatting with them, learning their stories and motivations. With the person’s permission, then I could take the photos.”

 

 

That day, he met an aged cotton sweet vendor. The man shared that he had supported his household for many years by way of this work, and had put his youngsters by way of college because of it.

“His story, full of effort and dedication, was truly inspiring.” With the seller’s permission, Fabricio took a portrait. “For me, that session was special because it was the first time I took portraits with full photographic awareness.”

 

 

 

If he may supply recommendation to his youthful self, Fabricio would deal with one important: mastering composition. And for rising photographers as we speak, he shares a couple of private classes:

• If you might have the chance to work with analog, do it persistently.
• Learn to work ranging from the shot itself.
• Equipment is necessary, but it surely’s not every little thing.
• Always bear in mind why you began taking images.
• Look at heaps and many images.

 

 

In 2024, Fabricio continued deepening his road images follow. “I continued developing my series in the streets of my hometown, a project that remains very close to my heart. I have focused on exploring new corners, seeking different compositions, and experimenting with analog techniques. What has truly driven me this year is incorporating elements that, although everyday, have the power to transform the way we see our city and how we relate to it.”

 

 

Looking forward, his principal aim is to maintain photographing with intention and curiosity. “I want to enrich my practice by acquiring more photography books and participating more actively in photography events, even those that focus on techniques or genres I don’t have much experience with.”

And if given the possibility to pursue his dream mission?

“I would return to Villa Hidalgo Yalalag with more time, more experience, and a more mature vision, to capture more deeply the stories behind every corner of Yalalag.”

To Learn More Visit:

Fabricio Barroso Cruz

 

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Soledad Quartucci, CEO, Latina Republic

Latina Republic envisions a world the place the sweetness and resilience of Latin American and Caribbean cultures are acknowledged and appreciated globally. By amplifying the voices of artists and cultural custodians, we attempt to domesticate a deeper understanding of the area’s challenges and triumphs. Our aim is to encourage higher appreciation for the humanities as a device for empathy, unity, and transformative social change. Through our work, we purpose to equip all stakeholders with important insights for addressing regional challenges, in the end enriching the worldwide cultural panorama and portraying the victories and hardships of on a regular basis life in Latin America.