Genesis, the new photobook by photographer Juan Brenner, explores the people and culture of the Guatemalan Highlands. It is the result of five years of intensive work, during which Brenner documented the Highland area and the people living there in his home country. The book focuses on the region's youth culture. “Gen Z in the Highlands is the first generation to be 100% interconnected with the world. And that’s just happened in the last five years,” says the photographer.

The book is a comprehensive study of Highland society, delving into the history, nuances, and complexity of everyday life in this region, with its fascinating cities, villages, and indigenous markets. Brenner’s photography captures a territory in the midst of profound change, with a clear goal of documenting the "process of becoming." From the effects of the Spanish invasion of Guatemala in the 16th century to the legacy of colonial rule, Brenner uses cultural history as the foundation for his research and photography, while also casting an eye toward the future of the region.

A classic portrait features four brothers with albinism, posing elegantly in the town of San Sebastián Huehuetenango. In Guatemala, people with the albinism gene are often called "Tonatiuh" or "Children of the Sun." A recurring motif in the book is the use of ornamental teeth. The use of ornaments in the mouths of the Maya was a tradition established more than a thousand years before the arrival of the Spaniards, with jade being the preferred material. It wasn't until the 20th century that gold-embellished teeth became a fashion and power statement in the Guatemalan Highlands.

Juan Brenner says: “In this monograph, I delve deeply into Guatemala’s ever-changing landscape, uncovering a multifaceted reality, reimagined beauty, and the potential dawn of a new era. The more I worked on Genesis, the less it became about me and the more it evolved into an archive of a moment in time. The Highlands are so dense and rich with stimulus that it’s hard to digest everything at once when you’re there. The final product is a 320-page archive featuring over 250 images, an insightful essay by my friend Julio Serrano, and a compelling conversation with the wonderful Gem Fletcher.”

Juan Brenner is a self-taught photographer living and working in Guatemala City. After more than a decade as a fashion photographer in New York, Brenner returned to his home country of Guatemala, where he began documenting the people and complex territory of the western Highlands. Through his photography, he reflects on the fluidity and abstract nature of identity and territory. His images capture the complexity of cultural hybridization and power structures, vividly illustrating how inequality persists over time. Brenner’s first monograph, Tonatiuh, was shortlisted for the 2019 Paris Photo–Aperture Foundation First PhotoBook Award. For the same project, he won the LensCulture Emerging Talent Awards 2019. He is a founding member of Proyectos Ultravioleta in Guatemala City.

Guest Editions is an independent publishing house, gallery, and creative studio based in London, collaborating with some of the most exciting artists working in contemporary, documentary, and fine art photography today. Guest Editions takes a highly collaborative approach to provide a platform that remains true to the artist's vision and the story being told.

GENESIS by Juan Brenner (Guest Editions)
210 x 260mm book, 259 colour plates, 360 pages
Foil embossed gate-folded cover
320pp image section on Arctic Volume
40pp text and index section on Munken
Essay by Julio Serrano
Conversation with Gem Fletcher

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juanbrenner.com

 
14.03.2025 show complete article

Ewen Spencer's new photo book 'One Night in Watford'captures the raw passion, innocence, and youthful desire for freedom that defined the first season of the TV series 'Skins'. Featuring numerous previously unpublished images, the book offers an extended glimpse into the infamous night in Watford when the cast members came together for a wild house party that laid the foundation for a British cultural phenomenon. Across 84 pages, Spencer's photography showcases the energy and spirit that made 'Skins' a cultural milestone. The book is exclusively available in the UK and EU (pre-order, first come, first served).

The iconic photographs by Ewen Spencer c/o LGA MGMT from the first season of the British TV series 'Skins' have left a lasting impact on an entire generation. In 2007, Spencer was commissioned by Channel 4 to create promotional photos for the show. His images capture the unique feeling and atmosphere of the series, authentically portraying the lives of British teenagers. These photographs were not just marketing tools but a lasting artistic work that reflects the youth culture of that time.

“I knew that half the cast had been street cast, that it was being made in Bristol and would tackle real life situations that were perennial to British kids (hedonism, sex, emotional well-being, etc.), and that it was going to be authentic in styling and character,” says Ewen in an interview.

Ewen Spencer is a self-taught photographer, known for his documentary photography often focusing on youth culture and the social dynamics of teenagers. Before 'Skins', Spencer had already published works on the Grime music scene and British club culture. His successful collaboration with Channel 4 led to numerous other assignments and an ongoing career in advertising and fashion photography.

The photo book spans 84 pages in full color with partial duotones. It is lithographically printed on 150gsm silk paper and bound in a duotone Japanese open-bind hardcover with foil detailing. The texts are by Georgie Jesson and Ewen Spencer. The first edition is limited to 1000 copies and is designed and published globally via Friend Editions, New York.

ewenspencer.com
lgamanagement.com


 
14.03.2025 show complete article

Under the title "Woman’s Land," the gallery of Berlin-based curator and artist Anahita Sadighi presents the photographic works of Iranian photographer Forough Alaei and the works of Kiana Hayeri, who documented the lives of Afghan women before and after the return of the Taliban. Through their works, they make a powerful statement about resistance, identity, and the fight for self-determination.

Forough Alaei (1989) uses her vibrant visual language to document the quiet rebellions and transformative power in Iran. Following the violent death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, a new generation of Iranian women has raised their voices. In her series "Underneath the Calm Streets of Iran," she portrays women overcoming societal restrictions and radiating inspiration. Whether as dancers, motorcycle racers, or auto mechanics, the protagonists in her work challenge established norms and actively shape social change. Alaei’s visual aesthetics are defined by bold colors, radiant light, and striking contrasts, emphasizing the rebellious spirit and determination of these women. Her works show that change is not only possible but already actively taking place.

Kiana Hayeri (1988) documents the daily lives of Afghan women before and after the return of the Taliban. While their lives were previously marked by hope and freedom, they found themselves in a reality of uncertainty and restrictions after the withdrawal of Western troops in the summer of 2021. Within a matter of days, women’s rights, freedom of expression, and educational opportunities were drastically curtailed.

Anahita Sadighi on the exhibition: "I find the feminist perspective on the sister countries of Iran and Afghanistan particularly fascinating, as it shows how women navigate oppression, conflict, and societal change. Especially in challenging times, as art and culture professionals, we have a responsibility to advance important discourses and initiate change. This year, I am also celebrating my 10th anniversary as a gallery owner, and this exhibition feels like a special statement in my curatorial work."

Anahita Sadighi, born in 1988 in Tehran and raised in Berlin, is a gallery owner, artist, and curator. In her work, she is committed to bringing underrepresented voices and topics into the public consciousness and fostering a multifaceted dialogue between cultures, eras, and media. In her gallery in Berlin-Charlottenburg, she regularly presents works by international artists as well as ancient art. Additionally, the gallery organizes a wide range of cultural events, including music, literature, performances, and discussions on current social issues.

"Woman’s Land" will be on view until April 26, 2025, at the Anahita Sadighi Gallery. For more information, visit anahitasadighi.com.

 
12.03.2025 show complete article