Peter J. Marchand - La Vida Campesina: Portraits of Rural Mexico

This collection of black-and-white photographs captures the spirit of rural folk and the rhythms of life in out-of-the-way Mexico. The photographs portray diverse cultural traditions from six different regions, including the isolated “Sudcalifornianos” of Baja California’s Sierra de la Giganta and the indigenous Zapotec and Chinantla peoples inhabiting opposite sides – and environments – of the Sierra Norte in Oaxaca state.

Together the photographs offer a perspective of our neighboring country that may be new – and perhaps surprising – to many viewers. Indeed, taken as a whole, this collection dispels any attempt at stereotyping “Mexicans.”

Peter J Marchand is a writer and photographer whose work often explores the relationship between people and their environment. Among his several books are two photo-documentaries: “The Bare-toed Vaquero” (University of New Mexico Press) and “When Farming’s in Your Blood” (Ripple Effect Publishing).  His latest book, “Sierra de la Giganta People and Plants” (Bell Mare Productions), explores native uses of medicinal and edible plants in the desert mountains of Baja California Sur.