Photographer Takes 31,000 Pictures for Peace Catalina Llorens Francia - Infosurhoy
go to original April 10, 2012

Photographer Diego Huerta and his wife, Daniela Juárez, travelled throughout Mexico to photograph 31,000 people who support peace. (Diego Huerta)

MEXICO CITY – What first struck Diego Huerta was the number: 31,000.

That’s how many died at the hands of criminal gangs and drug-related violence during a recent five-year period in his native Mexico, according to a newspaper report.

Now, Huerta also wants to shoot 31,000 people… with his camera.

Huerta, a 35 year-old photographer from Monterrey, in the state of Nuevo León, is on a mission: He wants to photograph 31,000 people to inspire others and show peace is possible in Mexico.

Along with his wife, Daniela Juárez, he spent six months travelling throughout the streets and plazas in cities of all sizes – from Monterrey to Guadalajara to Mexico City – to take photographs for his project “31,000 Portraits for Peace.”

The couple has wandered throughout the country of 107 million as part of the art world’s response to the violence that’s plagued the nation. He’s taken pictures of people of all ages, but they all have a common bond: They must have their picture taken while holding Huerta’s blue paper dove, symbolizing peace.

By the end of September 2011, Hurtado and Juárez had traveled to 51 cities in 16 of Mexico’s 31 states.

“In the beginning, it wasn’t easy,” said Huerta, who estimates he’s about 10,000 portraits shy of his goal. “We started taking pictures in some of the most violent cities in the country. When we explained the project to certain companies and institutions so we could invite their employees or students to participate, but they wouldn’t help us. They told us that it wouldn’t go anywhere. It seemed as though thousands of lives meant nothing.”

Huerta used the power of social networks, such as Facebook, to ask people to step in front of his lens.

Gabriela Álvarez, a student of Linguistics and Photography in Jalapa, the capital of the state of Veracruz, took him up on his offer.

“It offers hope to those of us who participate, as well as the sense of belonging to a positive movement,” said Álvarez, who assisted Huerta and Juárez after being photographed. “It brings such happiness to know that there are thousands of people who have taken part in this for the same reason.”

The city of Jalapa, famous for its coffee and regional music, has been hit in recent years not only by hurricanes and floods but also by insecurity and violence.

Álvarez said the logistics for the photo sessions were complicated, given the lack of resources. Yet, they were able to take about 1,700 photographs not only in the capital city but also in the small towns they visited.

The portraits are taken in public places, on the streets or main avenues, to show people in their natural environment.

It’s been an eye-opening experience for Huerta and those he photographs.

In the municipality of Naolinco, about 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Jalapa, one portrait stood out.

“It was one of a very old lady, who told us before we photographed her that this would be the first time she had her picture taken,” Álvarez said. “That shocked all of us.”

Huerta and Juárez have one rule before agreeing to take a portrait: The person must believe in the peace process, which at times can take some convincing.

Case in point: The teenager the threesome met while shooting at the historic Zócalo square in the heart of Mexico City on a warm, sunny day.

“I’ll never forget what she looked like: Her hair was black with some purple stripes and you could see some tattoos and piercings,” Juárez said. “When I introduced myself and invited her to take part in what we were doing, she said ‘no.’”

Why?

The girl said she didn’t believe in anything.

“Diego talked with her. Finally, she was satisfied and she agreed. Now, her picture is on display in Ciudad Juárez and I’m sure a lot of teenagers see her as being someone close to them.”

The art of hope

Martha Erika Segura Ramírez, sociologist and member of “La Maquinaria” (The Machinery) collective, whose objectives include eradicating violence from schools through artistic expression, said the principle behind “31,000 Portraits for Peace” shows “the value of art.”

“The photographs are artistic expressions that help repair the fabric of society by looking for the common good,” Segura said. “They also make it clear that art can contribute as a means of transmitting social messages. The images enable communication with those who view them. They are visually invited to rethink, and even meditate, on the subject of peace.”

Huerta wants to teach young people they have more options in life than being involved in the gangs and drug cartels that are wreaking havoc nationwide.

“In Ciudad Juárez, a teenager came up to me and told me right off the bat that he was involved in the drug trade, but that watching me work made him want to be a photographer,” Huerta said. “I have a commitment to him. What young people need is inspiration, as well as the knowledge that if they can dream it, they can achieve it.”

To find out more:
Email: diego@diegohuerta.com
Facebook: 31mil retratos por la Paz (31,000 Portraits for Peace)
Blog: www.diegohuerta.blogspot.com

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