Pieter Henket's 'Birds of Mexico City' Celebrates Gender Fluidity at Bildhalle

Pieter Henket's photographic series 'Birds of Mexico City' is on view at Bildhalle, Amsterdam until August 8, with a book published by Damiani. The project, created with stylist Chino Castilla, portrays a generation in Mexico redefining gender, identity, and self-expression. Set in a studio in Mexico City, the series features subjects like Nicolette, Monica, Tania, Ixchel, Jossafat, Carina, Diego, Carmen, Fernando, Melón, Ixchel Paz, Emiliano Cruz, Mariana, Fabrizzio, and Otokani. Each image incorporates symbolic elements: lucha libre masks, woven plastic bags, a broken corset, and references to Frida Kahlo and the Pietà. Henket emphasizes the real emotions behind staged scenes, such as a tender kiss between Carina and Diego, and a dancer's emotional performance. The project also includes botanical artists Alberto Arango and Ramiro Guerrero from Flores Cosmos, and graphic designer Odilon. The series challenges machismo culture and celebrates courage and imagination.