The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay
“A free, really high quality photo-essay magazine. Fabulous!”
Stephen Fry. British actor, writer and film & documentary maker
Feb 2014 back issue
by Alejandro Cartagena
The following images look at the communities that choose to live outside the chaotic city of Reynosa, in Northern
Mexico outside two distinct borders; the official one which divides Mexico and the USA and the other territorial borders
of the drug trafficking cartels that inhabit the nearby ranchos.
Even though these people have access to the USA, and Mexican Coyotes (those that illegally smuggle immigrants into
the USA) continually move through their communities, they have preferred and chosen a segregated tranquil life
despite the inconveniences of the unlawful activities that surround them.
The lifestyle of the Mañosos (the witty and corrupt), as the kids call the drug dealers, has continuously been a
temptation to younger boys as it is the opportunity for quick money. Stories of ranchos with lions, helicopters and all
sorts of extravagances circulate.
Although this project is based on the US/Mexico border, which has become a battle ground in the past months, I feel
the urge to deconstruct the image of the somewhat stereotyped violent view of the border by investigating and
representing the lifestyles of the people who decide to stay in between the turmoil. In a way, it seems that my intent of
escaping that view of the border is a subconscious romanticizing of a past (semi) calm urban life of which we have
been deprived as citizens of northern mexico.
Fence.
Girl in a car seat.
Goats at sunset.
Girl in a truck.
School cook helper.
School.
The telenovela.
