FERNANDA MONTERO
What exist in you,
exist it in me
Analog photography and traditional printing
Mexico (2022)
This photographic series is a celebration to the women who crossed my path and sheltered me when I made my first solo trip, at the age of 22, to chaotic India.
At that time I was looking for answers about life.
"I thought all I had found were dilapidated buildings, new flavors and people dressed in many colors. Noise in all its forms, temples and cows. However, I also met female characters who told me about their lives, sitting on the sidewalk, while we enjoyed a "chai"; ladies who showed me their dances and girls who asked me to take a photo of them.
Talking to them and getting to know their context better, I understood the reason why they walked quickly through the streets; I understood their seriousness and the 'tough' masks they put on. At that moment, I saw my reflection in them: I had also felt vulnerable and not only in their country.
Little by little I learned to shout, to say 'no', to be brave and not to repress my emotions. Now that I look back, I thank each of the women I met during this adventure: they, without knowing it, were my answer." - Fernanda Montero
The series consists of 5 photographs printed in gelatin silver, size 8x10, on ILFORD fiber paper. This sequence of images was part of the exhibition Silver Halides (2022), at the San Agustín Center for the Arts (CaSa), in Oaxaca.
