Fermín Guzmán

Honorable Mention · Open Call 2022

Fermín Guzmán

Fermín Guzmán embarked on his photographic journey in 2008, drawing inspiration from the tradition of the great Eugene Atget, in the area of Chimalhuacán, Mexico. As he started capturing images of the streets in his neighborhood, he aimed to depict both the stark realities of violence and poverty that were deeply ingrained in the community and the inspiring stories of the good, hardworking people who strive to survive and maintain hope for a better future. For Guzmán, street photography transcends merely documenting rare or humorous moments, aesthetically pleasing colors, and images meant for social media consumption. Instead, it represents a form of pure anthropology, necessitating a humanistic approach that elevates the genre to a powerful medium for giving voice to the voiceless and immortalizing their stories in visual history.

Through his compelling photo series “Chimalhuacán”, Fermín Guzmán seeks not only to showcase the place he hails from but also to share his personal experiences and perspectives on life in Chimalhuacán. His work serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unyielding hope that drives individuals to persist in the face of adversity. By highlighting the complex duality of hardship and hope within his community, Guzmán’s photography encourages viewers to delve deeper into the human experience, beyond superficial appearances. His thought-provoking images prompt a more profound understanding of the lives and struggles of those who inhabit the streets he so poignantly captures, ultimately contributing to a richer, more nuanced visual history of Chimalhuacán and its people.

This is the tenth issue of Eyeshot Magazine always in limited edition of 500 copies, showcasing the thoughtful and creative photographs of the 70 talented photographers who have been selected as the winners, jurors’ picks and finalists of the Eyeshot Open Call 2022. The artworks were chosen from over 6000 photographssubmitted from more than 100 different countries, making this a truly global showcase of street and documentary photography.