Amman, June 3 (Petra) -- Mexican Ambassador to Jordan Jacob Prado on Wednesday evening inaugurated "Life Goes On," an exhibition by renowned Mexican photographer Yolanda Andrade, at Nofa Gallery in Amman.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Prado said he was proud to present Andrade’s work, describing her as one of Mexico’s most distinguished photographers and a leading figure in contemporary photography in Latin America.
He underscored the role of cultural diplomacy in creating meaningful opportunities for dialogue and cooperation, noting that the exhibition reflects the embassy’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties between Mexico and Jordan and deepening mutual understanding between the two friendly countries through artistic exchange.
Prado said Andrade belongs to a generation of photographers who fundamentally transformed Mexican photography beginning in the 1970s, shifting the focus from major historical events to the details of everyday life, urban spaces and ordinary people who shape Mexico’s identity, collective memory and lived experience.
He added that over more than four decades, Andrade has developed a distinctive visual language through her lens, combining observation, immersion, close examination and poetic expression to create images that are both deeply personal and universally resonant, transforming the familiar into something extraordinary.
Prado noted that Andrade’s career was recognized with the Fine Arts Medal, Mexico’s highest cultural honor, awarded by the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the country’s artistic and cultural heritage.
For her part, Andrade expressed pride in participating in Image Festival Amman alongside photographers from various countries. She praised the warmth and hospitality of the Jordanian people, which she experienced during her brief stay, as well as their genuine interest in art exhibitions.
She said the photographs featured in the exhibition stem from her fascination with everyday life in her country and the small details that often go unnoticed. She expressed hope that visitors would engage with the stories embedded in the images, discover new perspectives on Mexico, and find points of connection that transcend cultural boundaries.
The exhibition, which runs through the end of June, features 32 photographs portraying everyday life in Mexico through its people and places. The images reveal stories that highlight the richness of Mexican identity and culture and the distinctiveness of its traditions, particularly in heritage and archaeological settings.
Through "Life Goes On," Andrade offers a compelling visual journey through scenes of daily life, human relationships and cultural symbols. Using a poetic visual language, her work reveals a quiet depth in which keen observation and visual composition transform familiar details into multidimensional narratives.
Born in 1950, Yolanda Andrade is regarded as one of the most influential photographers in Mexico and Latin America. She began her artistic career in 1976 with black-and-white street photography documenting daily life and popular culture in Mexico City. In 2003, she transitioned to color digital photography, expanding her exploration of visual composition and cultural symbolism, a journey that later took her to Europe, India and other parts of the world.
//Petra// AF
