New Book Chronicles Latin American History Through 100 Photographs

A new publication titled 'História da América Latina em 100 fotografias' (Latin America in 100 Photographs) was released in late 2025. The book, authored by journalist and historian Paulo Antonio Paranaguá, presents a curated collection of 100 images that document social, political, and cultural transformations across Latin America. The visual timeline spans from 19th-century independence movements through 20th-century revolutions, nationalist populism, and democratic liberation efforts. Paranaguá, interviewed by professor and curator Luiz Camillo Osorio, explains that using photography as a historical source introduces a cultural history perspective, examining image production, dissemination, and impact. The work highlights the region's contrasts, from colonial violence and slavery to diverse cultures and landscapes. It includes photographs from various periods, such as Kena Lorenzini's 'Mulheres pela vida' (1986, Chile), an unidentified photographer's 1906 stereoscopic card of a cocoa plantation worker in Ecuador, and Luis Felipe Toro's 1934 image of Venezuelan leader Juan Vicente Gómez. The book also features works by Martín Chambi and addresses themes from archaeological discoveries to contemporary issues. Paranaguá notes the volume's non-linear structure allows readers to engage flexibly, similar to Julio Cortázar's 'Hopscotch.' He emphasizes photography's role in providing visual access to the past while acknowledging its polysemic nature. The publication aims to foster understanding of Latin America's interconnected history and cultural diversity.