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I dry my hair in the wind

Head On Photo Festival 2024
Alejandra López Zaballa
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Alejandra López Zaballa
This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: Bondi Beach Promenade, Queen Elizabeth Dr Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free
Genres: Photojournalism/Documentary, Portrait

Motivation is like a breath of wind that connects us to ideas and projects. This feeling swept over me when I arrived at Casa Hogar Home for Girls in Oaxaca, Mexico. On February 19, 2015, with my camera and a heavy pack, I unexpectedly connected with the girls. Their vulnerability, energy, and joy amidst adversity forged an unbreakable bond.

From this inspiration, a photographic project emerged to support these girls and honour my beloved teacher, Mary Ellen Mark, who cherished Oaxaca and guided me to Casa Hogar.

This project challenges the perception of Children’s Homes as solely tragic places. Instead, I discovered a joyful environment filled with love and creativity. I aim to raise awareness about often-ignored social issues while giving voice to those unheard.

The girls possess a unique magic and grace, embracing their complicated situations with remarkable resilience. Throughout this journey, I have endeavoured to capture their essence in each image, reminding viewers of the spontaneity and authenticity often lost in adulthood. Despite having little, the girls gave me everything. In reflecting on our time together, I hope to convey the powerful spirit they instilled in me. Feel their wind.

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Alejandra López Zaballa

Alejandra is a professional photographer specialising in street, travel, and visual storytelling. She studied at the London School of Photography and ICP in NYC. In 2011, after 14 years in Human Resources, she founded a photography company in Thailand and later moved to Mexico City for a decade before relocating to Madrid. Her work has been exhibited internationally and has received numerous awards. Alejandra published her first book, I dry my hair in the wind, donating proceeds to a girls’ caring home in Oaxaca, Mexico. Passionate about social projects, Alejandra connects with diverse cultures, drawing inspiration from her family and two young daughters.

This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: Bondi Beach Promenade, Queen Elizabeth Dr Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free
Genres: Photojournalism/Documentary, Portrait
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Max Mason-Hubers

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Enthralling. Enchanting. Extraordinary. Discover exceptional photography for free around Sydney during the festival 8 Nov–1 Dec 2024

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