Graciela Iturbide wins prestigious prize for her photography

Mexico is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, and this is exemplified by the recognition of Graciela Iturbide, a renowned photographer, who was honored with Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Prize for the Arts in 2025. This accolade is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including arts, literature, science, and sports. Iturbide, born in 1942 in Mexico City, is well-known for her evocative black-and-white photographs that encapsulate the social realities of Indigenous societies in Mexico as well as other regions around the globe, particularly showcasing the lives of women within these communities. Throughout her career, Iturbide has gained international prominence, and her works have been displayed in various prominent art institutions, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Among her most notable images is 'Our Lady of the Iguanas', published in 1979, which features an Indigenous Zapotec woman balancing live iguanas on her head, representing both cultural tradition and strength. The Princess of Asturias Award, which carries a monetary prize of 50,000 euros, is considered one of the most prestigious awards in Spain and has become a reflection of excellence across diverse disciplines. The jury for the award praised Iturbide's work for its documentary qualities, suggesting that her photographs reveal a world that exists between the harshness of life and the ethereal beauty of magic. Her ability to narrate the intricacies of people's lives through captivating visuals has solidified her status as a significant figure in contemporary photography. The award ceremony is traditionally presided over by Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and it takes place each fall in Oviedo, Spain, highlighting the cultural importance of recognizing artistic achievements in Europe. As Iturbide accepts this honor in 2025, it serves not only as a personal achievement but also as an acknowledgment of the vital role that photography plays in storytelling and preserving cultural histories. Iturbide's journey through various countries, including her travels across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, has enriched her perspective as an artist and allows her to contextualize her work within a broader global narrative.