This post is the second in a series exploring the work of five emerging Mexican street photographers. The series will include work from Nayeli Cruz Bonilla, Fermín Guzmán Martínez, Jair Cabrera Torres, Irving Cabrera Torres, and Alfredo Moreno. Mark Powell and Tom Griggs have curated and edited this project to give exposure to these young photographers. All five began their careers as students of Powell's in El Faro de Oriente in Iztapalapa, Mexico City.
The first post in the series featuring Cruz Bonilla can be found here.
The work of Fermín Guzmán Martínez is the focus of this second post in the series. His work can be further explored on Flickr under the name "Reflex."
Statement
Three years ago I was introduced to the world of photography. With time I have defined my style, but an interest in documentary photography has been consistent. I walk every day searching for fleeting moments that enrich and transgress everyday life to show a personal view of my surroundings.
My work always makes reference to the urban and to the barrio. I search to show what happens in these cities that have been branded as violent (Chimalhuacan - Nezahualcoyotl). After so much time living around here and walking the same route, everything had become so routine and monotonous [before discovering photography] to the degree that I didn't perceive anything any more. Today, accompanied by my camera, I walk around capturing my area, finding the particular in mundane situations. Getting close to people is indispensable to my work. I like to make portraits of the characters that capture my eye; when I ask them to pose for the camera they idealize themselves as they would like to see themselves remembered, contrary to the transience of the photographic act.
The integration of people and the street have led me to get involved in social themes, to document personal events that have changed my way of life and the people around me.
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