Women Talk is a monthly conversation between a member of Women Photograph and Kerry Manders.
This month is Luján Agusti — an Argentine photographer based in Ushuaia.
Bio. Offer us a short, snappy (not-copied-from-your-website or any publication), fun biography. Who are you?
I am a restless and curious person. There are many (many) things that attract my attention in this life. Photography has helped me to be able to live many lives in one: it allows me to travel, learn, and get to know different universes.
In that sense, all my projects arise from a topic that touches me deeply and that I have a need to investigate. Photography is my way of understanding the world that surrounds me.
Beginning. Do you remember the first time you picked up a camera? The first picture you took? Tell us a story about your beginning.
When I was in high school, my sister, who is 9 years older than me, signed up for a photography course. As always, I decided to copy her, not knowing that this experience would change my life and the way I see the world forever.
I always found it very difficult to express myself through words – I still do. And during adolescence all of this gets even more complicated. The camera became my best ally.
Maria, 6 years old, poses for a portrait wearing the typical Mascogos outfit, during Juneteenth celebrations. Juneteenth commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas.
Adan Salazar, 15 years old, poses for a portrait with his horse, during Juneteenth celebrations. Adan belongs to the Mascogos, an afrodescendant community located in Coahuila, Mexico.
Being. What are you working on now? Where? How? Why?
I am currently working on a project on Tierra del Fuego Island, in Argentina. It is a long-term project focused on the environment – a first for me. But it is related to what I mentioned before: the issue has been bouncing around my head for a long, long time, and, as a visual communicator, I felt the need and the responsibility to get to work on it.
My specific focus is the Fuegian peatlands, their importance in the fight for climate change, their exploitation and abuse. I have been doing this work for almost one year, thanks to support from the National Geographic Society.
I am from Patagonia, and, after living abroad for some time, it’s time to return home to work and to tell stories.
Borrowing. Tell us a little about your artistic lineage. Who are the artists and/or works that influence you? Who or what inspires you and why?
The vast majority of my true influences do not come from photography (sometimes not even from art), but from other worlds. I have always been very inspired by literature (I am currently reading a fantastic book: La Tierra del Fuego, by Sylvia Iparraguirre), illustration, and collage. I research other disciplines a lot. I find a lot of inspiration also in everyday life, in small details, in the scientific world. I am passionate about the connections between photography and other practices. I have a three year old son, and lately I have found a lot of inspiration in children's books. They are so wonderful. Every time I travel I try to get us a new book.
Blown-away. Show us the last image that completely took your breath away (contemporary or historical—depending on where you’ve been looking). Insert it her with image credit. What do you love about it?
Sara Aliaga
This image by Bolivian photographer Sara Aliaga is from her series “Cholita tenías que ser” in which she explores her cholita roots. There are many things to analyze in this picture. It is an obviously contemporary photograph yet also speaks to history—to pride in Bolivian and Latin American indigenous culture; light, shadow, color, and texture subtly complement each other in an image that feels to me as though it contains a secret that cannot be revealed.
From Payasos de Coatepec, 2016.
From Payasos de Coatepec, 2016.
Burden. What are some of the difficulties or challenges of being a woman who photographs?
I think that the most difficult thing has been to deal with the machismo of some colleagues or clients/bosses that I have had. In the past I’ve sometimes felt underestimated and/or mistreated.
Beauty. What are some of the joys of being a woman who photographs?
While it might seem counter-intuitive, especially given my previous answer, I think that not being a cis-man is a great advantage. I think there is something about the universe of "femininity," for lack of a better word, that is connected with greater sensitivity, space, and empathy for the other that makes the bonds more profound and true. Every day I find more wonder in being a woman who photographs.
Business. Can you talk a bit about the business versus the art of photography?
This is a great topic that I discuss a lot! There is often a necessary contrast (sometimes conflict) between what we do by drive and desire and what we do as a source of income. Often, in order to make the business side work, we have to adapt to “industry” ways of operating, of photographing, of telling stories. I think that one of my biggest photography challenges is establishing and maintaining my own freedom and vision.
Detail of a leaf of Lupino, an autochthonous and symbolic plant of the Island of Tierra del Fuego, used to create natural dyes used by the "Hilanderas del Fin del Mundo", a group of women dedicated to retake traditions of embroidery and weaving by invoking local production against the advance of imports using natural raw materials produced in the island.
Portrait of Esther Condori at Playa Larga, Ushuaia, weaver and member of "Hilanderas del Fin del Mundo", a group of women dedicated to retake traditions of embroidery and weaving by invoking local production against the advance of imports using natural raw materials produced in the island.
Balance. When you are not photographing, what are you doing that keeps you grounded? What (else) do you do for fun?
When I'm not photographing for work, I always have my cell phone at hand. But there are many other things that make me happy and that I need. I really like spending time outdoors, in nature, hiking in the mountains or woods. I really enjoy walking on the beach and seeing what little treasures I might find. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. And what recharges me the most is spending time with my son and my family.
Best 2. What is the best advice you have to offer someone reading this?
Never stop listening to yourself, to your instincts. They will lead you in the right direction: always.
From Itotia, 2017.
From Itotia, 2017.
Luján Agusti: lujanagusti.com // @lujanag
Kerry Manders: kerrymanders.com // @kerrymmanders