Hey everyone, welcome to Sombra y Cultura, the podcast where we explore the art, photography,and identity of our Latino people. I'm Chris, and today we have a special episode. We’re traveling back in time to the Andean landscapes, to portraits filled with history, and into the vision of a photographic genius: Martín Chambi.

If you love photography, culture, or simply enjoy learning about figures who have left a lasting impact, this episode is for you.

Martín Chambi isn’t a name we hear every day, but it should be. Born in 1891 in Puno, Peru, Chambi was a pioneer. We’re talking about a man who, at a time when the world was dominated by a European perspective, picked up a camera and showcased the greatness of his own people: the Andean communities.

Chambi wasn’t just the first recognized Indigenous photographer—he was a visual storyteller. His photos weren’t just portraits; they were statements of identity, dignity,and culture.

Imagine this: It’s the early 20th century, Peru is still heavily influenced by its colonial past. Andean culture, rich and powerful, is viewed as inferior by the ruling elite. In the middle of all this,Chambi arrives with his camera, capturing the majesty of the Inca Empire, the faces of workers, the imposing architecture of Cusco, and with every image,saying: We are here. This is ours. This is valuable.

So why don’t we hear about Martín Chambi as much as other great photographers?

One major reason is Eurocentrism in art and photography history. For a long time, the work of Indigenous and Latin American artists was dismissed or undervalued by global institutions. Chambi wasn’t seen as a pioneer in his time because he wasn’t working in Paris or New York—he was in Cusco, Peru, photographing his people and their culture. Western art circles largely ignored him.

Another reason is that his work was rediscovered much later. While he was well known in Peru, it wasn’t until the 1970s—decades after his prime—that international photography experts truly began to recognize his genius. By then, many of his contemporaries had already been cemented in history books.

Martín Chambi deserves to be recognized because he changed the way we see Andean culture. He showed the world that Indigenous people weren’t just subjects of anthropology—they were creators, thinkers, and dignified individuals.

He also pioneered documentary photography in Latin America. His work wasn’t staged or exoticized for foreign audiences. He photographed people as they were, in their natural environments, with a level of respect that was rare at the time.

And let’s not forget—his technical skill was on par with the greatest photographers in history. His use of lighting,composition, and detail rivals the best of his era.

If you’ve never seen Chambi’s work before, there’s one image you should look up: "The Giant of Paruro." (down below)

This photo, taken in the 1920s, is one of his most iconic images. It features Juan de la Cruz Sihuana, a man of remarkable height, standing beside another person for scale. The photograph emphasizes his towering stature, making it one of Chambi’s most striking portraits.

This image represents what Chambi did best: using photography to capture the extraordinary within the everyday, showcasing the unique and diverse aspects of Andean identity.

Chambi left behind more than just stunning photographs—he left a legacy that influenced generations of Latin American photographers. Here are some of his key contributions:

Pioneering Indigenous Representation –He was one of the first Indigenous photographers to document his own people with dignity and artistry, rather than through an outsider’s gaze.

Advancing Photography in Peru – He ran one of the most successful photography studios in Cusco, training younger photographers and helping to establish photography as a respected profession in the region.

Historical Documentation – Thanks to his work, we have some of the earliest high-quality photographic records of Machu Picchu, pre-Hispanic architecture, and Andean life in the early 20th century.

Bridging Art and Documentary Photography – His work sits at the intersection of fine art and historical record, making him a unique figure in the world of photography.

So, what can we learn from Chambi today?

First, that photography isn’t just about capturing images—it’s about capturing stories. If you’re a photographer, think about this: What story do you want to tell with your work?

Second, that our roots and culture have immense value. In a world that often tells us that foreign things are superior, Chambi reminds us that our culture is also art, also beautiful, and also deserves to be seen.

Third, that an artist’s legacy never dies if we continue to share it. So, if you’re listening to this episode, I challenge you: Look up Martín Chambi’s photos, share them, talk about him. Let’s keep his vision alive.

Chambi’s work is more than just photography—it’s proof that art can change perspectives, preserve history, and honor identity. He used his camera to tell the world that Andean people are here, that they have a rich history, and that their stories deserve to be told.

For me, Chambi’s work is a reminder of why I do what I do. Photography isn’t just about taking a good shot—it’s about making sure the stories that matter don’t get lost. And in a time where history is often rewritten or erased, his work stands as undeniable proof of the power of visual storytelling.

Alright, that’s a wrap on this episode of Sombra y Cultura. Martín Chambi was more than just a photographer—he was a chronicler of his time, a defender of Andean identity, and a visionary.

If you enjoyed this episode, do me a favor: Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves photography and culture.

And if you have suggestions or want me to talk about a specific Latin American artist, hit me up on my contact page. I’d love to hear your ideas and continue growing this community.

I’ll see you in the next episode. Take care, keep creating, and keep capturing stories.

Until next time.

‍