Issue - April 2007
Editorial
April 2007
Dear readers, in March we broaden our horizons, searching for centers in Bolivia that have a commitment to the community. This edition, read about the Fundación Simón I: Patiño and the Hacienda Pairumani who demonstrate an unfailing commitment throughout the years, not only to Cochabamba, but Bolivia in general...read more...
Juan Cristobal Quiroga
Profession: photographer, publisher, graphic designer
Currently Residing in: Cochabamba
Studies: business, ecology
Cocha-banner: How come that with business and ecology studies you ended up in photography?
Juan Critóbal Quiroga: when I was younger, I loved travelling through Bolivia, especially on archaeological expeditions. But I just wanted to enjoy the moment and so I never took pictures. But after a while seeing amazing places, I thought somehow that I should share them, especially because photography is not well developed in Bolivia. First it became a hobby, but then, as I had knowledge of graphic design, I decided to produce books in order to show all those beautiful places.
CB: With whom especially do you want to share those pictures?
JCQ: At first, my target was the foreigners who wanted to have souvenirs of the country. Then I noticed that about 70% of the people buying the books were actually Bolivians, who wanted to know more about their own country, and especially remote areas where you cannot get.
CB: You seem to have a special attraction to remote areas. How come?
JCQ: I like open spaces and the image of isolation, although for myself I don't like isolation! I'm fascinated about how people live in these areas, their authenticity and pureness. Most of them have never seen a camera!! When I get close to the loneliness of the highland of the country, I feel happy. Maybe it's something I miss in my life…
CB: Some of the places you took pictures of are hard to reach. How did you get there?
JCQ: My objective is to reach areas as far as possible from the main road… So I have to take my 4x4, but I also walk a lot with my camera, my tent, and a group of 3 or 4 people (most of them are photographers or scientists).
CB: So, you never travel alone. In the same way as you never publish only your work, but also work of other photographers. Why?
JCQ: The idea is that I want to show the country through different points of view and you'll always find a picture that is better than yours! I am also planning to publish books about paintings. Indeed, my aim is to promote the country through all kinds of images possible.
CB: Do you have models that have inspired your work?
JCQ: The American Ansel Adams shoots amazing black and white landscapes. And black and white photos are actually my favourite ones. As well, I love the work of the French photographer Henri Cartier Bresson. Concerning Bolivian photographers, I admire the versatility of Tony Suarez, Aldo Cardoso and Willy Kenning, who was the first one to take the risk of publishing photography books.
CB: You are talking about risk. Is it hard for you to make a living as a photographer in Bolivia?
JCQ: I had knowledge of photography through my parents, who are both photographers. As well, I had experience in the printing area and finally, I had already travelled to remote areas. With all these elements, I took the risk to publish these photography books without asking for any support. I went everywhere, to libraries, markets, supermarkets and left my first book there. And it came out that people liked it! But I don't want it to become a massive publication, so each book is printed between 500 and1000 times. It is like tourism, I hate massive tourism. I prefer less people but people who are more conscious, because Bolivia has a very fragile environment and people close to tourists tend to lose their identity. It is hard, but always possible to make a living out of photography if you want to.
