Coirón: Pie Aerts' Six-Year Portrait of Chile's Aging Puesteros

The documentary project Coirón, created by photographer Pie Aerts, chronicles the lives of aging gauchos, or puesteros, in Chile's Magallanes region over a span of six years. It highlights their isolated lives on expansive ranches, where they often go months without human interaction. Released by GOST, this work reflects themes of rural existence, solitude, and labor. Many individuals, such as Luis, who has spent over 40 years in solitude, encounter mental health issues when they cannot work. Featured figures include Carrera, captured at Estancia Oazy Harbour in 2025; Oscar, whose 'puesto' was destroyed by fire in 2022; and Danilo, worried about his lost pension. The project also explores cultural decline as youth migrate to urban areas, with an essay by Alberto Harambour discussing Patagonia's evolving landscape.