PROSPECTUS: NUESTRA COMIDA / OUR FOOD

This traveling exhibition has been organized by the Archivo Fotográfico Indigena (AFI) / Indigenous Photography Archive, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, México. The exhibition shows aspects of food and culture in indigenous communities as seen by men and women Mayan photographers from two ethnic/language groups of Chiapas.

AFI is an artistic and educational project by and for indigenous photographers in Chiapas. Since 1995 AFI has been the principal activity of the Chiapas Photography Project, which Carlota Duarte started in 1992 with donations from friends. Its unique intention of not imposing visual standards and its commitment to create and maintain a collection of photographs, has encouraged the participation of more than 200 indigenous men and women of various ethnic groups. With major funding by the Ford Foundation, AFI has been able to develop four main areas of activity: education, collection, outreach and research.

Nuestra Comida/ Our Food

Curators: Emiliano Guzmán Meza, Tzeltal ethnic group

Genaro Sántiz Gómez, Tzotzil ethnic group

Funding: provided in part by the Ford Foundation; framing donated by Stanhope Framers, Boston, MA

Inaugural exhibition: 16 June – 31 August 2001, Schlesinger Library, Harvard University

Description: 31 items, all framed: 20 framed photographs (24 – 8 x 10 inch photographs in 11 x 14 frames, and 1- 11 x 14 inch color photograph in 14 x 22 frame) and 6 text panels. There are no separate labels: photo titles in language of the photographer (Tzeltal or Tzotzil), Spanish, and English, are inside the frames. Text panels are in Spanish and English. All 31 items are in black Nielsen frames with Plexiglas.

Audience: the general public and those interested in photography, indigenous life, anthropology, education, Chiapas, Mexico, and Latin America.

Availability: May 2004; inquire by fax or email for current availability.

Hanging/space requirements: 35-45 running feet minimum; or pictures can be double hung, grouped by photographer or hung in offices and common space. No direct sunlight should fall on the pictures.

Shipping: all items are soft wrapped and packed in two boxes, sent via Federal Express or UPS Overnight or Second Day. Insure for $2000.00 over shipping charges. Total cost is about $150.00.

A packing/check list is included.

Duration of show: negotiable

Insurance: Each framed item is valued at $100.00 replacement cost; any damage will be individually evaluated.

Publicity: prior to exhibition, press photos and PR material will be sent.

Miscellaneous: Carlota Duarte and indigenous photographers are available for a presentation about the exhibition; transportation and other expenses would be covered by the hosting exhibition.

Contract: A contract will be sent prior to the exhibition.

Rental fee: There is no rental fee, but a donation to the Chiapas Photography Project is encouraged.

Inquiries: Erica H. Adams, U.S. Coordinator for Archivo Fotográfico Indígena:

Email: AFI.Comida@comcast.net Tel-Fax: 508.539.9969