PHOTOBOOK
A photography book by
Alejandra López Zaballa
First edition 2022 · Second edition 2025
Motivation is that wind that links us to an idea or project in a deep and intense way; it moves us to develop it authentically and personally. When an artist feels that spark, that inner wind drives them to connect with another reality as if it were their own, identifying with it from the depths of their being, transcending boundaries, and connecting with others.
This is exactly what I felt when I first arrived at the Casa Hogar de la Niña in Oaxaca: a gentle breeze stirred my hair and my soul. On February 19, 2015, with camera in hand and a 20-kilo backpack on my shoulders, I stumbled upon a children's home in need of support. I instantly formed a very special connection with the girls; their curiosity, vulnerability, energy, and joy in the face of adversity became bonds that tied us together forever.
In that moment, I knew that inspiration can be sparked by a gust of wind, driving us to create in ways we never have before.
With this project, I challenge the idea that a children's home is a sad place filled only with drama.
This inspiration gave birth to a photographic project designed to provide sustainable support to these girls in Oaxaca—my favorite city in Mexico and the place held dear in the memory of my beloved mentor, Mary Ellen Mark, who also loved Oaxaca and helped me find the children's home.
With this project, I challenge the idea that a children's home is a sad place filled only with drama. What I found is a joyful place where the girls receive love and care from those in charge. A home where, regardless of each girl's circumstances, there is an atmosphere filled with creativity, laughter, learning, and adventure.
Children are magical, powerful, and special, capable of turning anything into something unexpected and incredible. They accept complex situations with more natural ease than many adults, knowing exactly how to turn the tables.
From the very beginning of this adventure, I was deeply committed to capturing that honest, innocent, vulnerable, and vibrant connection in every image. Because, even though everyone interprets art in their own way, we always take away something of what the artist intends to share. Children possess a spontaneity we connect with—one that we adults sometimes lose. They remind us never to forget our own essence and authenticity.
From the very first moment, I felt that even though they seemingly had nothing, they were giving me everything. To this day, when I remember the time I spent with them, I feel something stir within me, and I hope, with humility, that I have been able to convey that. Feel their wind. Thank you.
Many of the images in this book (others are previously unpublished) have been part of the artist's solo and group exhibitions in Mexico, the United States, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Project selected for participation in ArtLibris - ARCO Madrid: February
Project selected for participation in the Fiebre PhotoBook Fest. Madrid: September
“I dry my hair in the wind” project, selected by Head On for its international exhibition in Sydney: November
“I dry my hair in the wind” project, selected by the Encontros da Imagem festival in Braga, Portugal: September. Encontros da Imagem
“I dry my hair in the wind” project, silver award winner at the Paris Photo Prize: August. Paris Photo Prize
Project featured in issue 24 of Dodho Magazine. Dodho Magazine
6 images and the 80-image book presented at Estampa: October. View publication
A joyful place where the girls receive love and care from those in charge.
