Boston-based photographer Bruce T. Martin is currently exhibiting a series of photos that represents years of investigation into the culture of the Mayan peoples of Central America. Alongside his architectural photography, Bruce has produced a number of projects on the Maya, including multimedia presentations and the 2007 book Look Close, See Far. The book combined Bruce’s photography with written commentary by scholars, and came recommended by the Library Journal.
Now this project has been launched into an exhibition at The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology in New Mexico. (If you’re in the area, check it out; the exhibition will be up until November 30, 2011.) Bruce writes in the statement accompanying the exhibition:
Look Close, See Far: A Cultural Portrait of the Maya is a source of comparison to the myths that form the foundations of our community’s existence. Before the Maya’s endangered way of life disappears completely, it is essential to appreciate these people and what their culture represents. The Maya speak from their hearts in discussing the problems they confront, yet have little political clout to improve their situation. The future for them is unclear. With a greater awareness of their issues, a more productive dialogue on the Maya can begin that promotes cultural diversity and respect for their fading traditions. Hopefully, this project contributes to the ongoing dialogue on the Maya in order to promote cultural diversity and respect for fading traditions.
Bruce began his study of the Maya in 1987, when he first visited Mexico. He already had an interest in ancient cultures from travels to Egypt, but he found himself altogether captivated by indigenous life in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and southern Mexico. This work was animated with twin concerns: first, that the ancient culture of the Maya, and the natural environment of which they were stewards, is disappearing; and second, that the five million descendants of the Maya are struggling to overcome the effects of colonialism, poverty, and cultural marginalization. These visual documents of the lives of Mayans today, and the remnants of their ancient culture, show us the real stories that make these issues so important.