1980s Latin American Photographers Challenged Authoritarian Norms Through Queer and Feminist Imagery

During the politically charged 1980s, photographers Paz Errázuriz, Graciela Iturbide, and Sergio Zevallos challenged authoritarianism in Latin America. Errázuriz's La Manzana de Adán (1982–1987) highlighted the lives of transvestite sex workers in Chile, pushing back against Pinochet's regime. Notable pieces include Evelyn III, Santiago (1987) and Tango (De a dos) (1988). Iturbide's Juchitán de Las Mujeres (1989) celebrated strong women, featuring images such as Nuestra Señora de las Iguanas (1979). Zevallos, associated with Grupo Chaclacayo (1983–1994), produced provocative staged photography, including the Suburbios series (1983). Although their influence was limited, their contributions were acknowledged, with Iturbide receiving the Hasselblad Award (2008) and Errázuriz showcasing a retrospective at Fundación Mapfre (2015–2016).