Man With Face in Shadow, San Miguel de Allende, 1997.
Harvey Stein’s lifelong fascination with Mexico is rooted in his childhood and would go on to inspire his photographic career. As a child, Stein said he was haunted by the notion of death and no longer existing. However, through this pessimistic perception of death, he discovered Mexico’s positive outlook on the subject. Stein learned that Mexico considered death to be an essential part of life that is to be celebrated. This concept was comforting to him. Throughout his journey as a professional photographer, he used this medium as a tool to immerse himself in Mexico. During 14 trips between 1993 and 2010, Stein shot photos primarily in small towns and villages and mostly during festivals (Day of the Dead, Easter, Independence Day) that highlight Mexico’s unique relationship to death, myth, ritual, and religion. He would take part in ceremonies, meet the people, and express his interest and love of the country. His new book, Mexico Between Life and Death, depicts visually compelling images of his intimate relationship with the people and culture of Mexico. It will be published September 16th, Independence Day in Mexico.