For her latest series, photographer Bronia Stewart traveled to Chalco, a town located on the edge of Mexico City.
Stewart spent six weeks with Pepe Torreblanco, a shop owner with gang affiliations, and his friends and family. She captures all of the mundane realities of daily life, from friendships to arguments, highlighting the increasing Americanization of the culture.
Though Torreblanco and his family made Stewart feel welcome, she acknowledges that she was never entirely comfortable in Mexico City, a place where crime and violence run rampant, unchecked. Specifically, Torreblanco's gang affiliations made several occasions unsafe for Stewart to photograph. She notes that there were times she wanted to accompany him, but was told to stay behind. Tensions with a rival gang even forced some of Torreblanco's fellow members to flee into hiding.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Americanization of Mexican Culture
- Opportunity for businesses to create products and services that cater to the increasing influence of American culture in Mexico.
- Photographing Subcultures
- Opportunity for photographers and artists to document and explore the lives of subcultures, shedding light on their experiences and perspectives.
- Gang Affiliations and Crime
- Opportunity for law enforcement agencies and community organizations to address gang affiliations and crime, providing support and alternatives to at-risk individuals.
Sectors Adopting This
- Travel and Tourism
- Opportunity for travel agencies and hospitality businesses to develop unique and immersive experiences for tourists interested in exploring subcultures and different lifestyles.
- Fashion and Streetwear
- Opportunity for fashion brands to incorporate elements of Mexican gang culture into their designs, creating new trends and styles.
- Social Services and Community Outreach
- Opportunity for organizations to provide resources, mentorship, and support to individuals involved in gangs, helping them find new paths and opportunities in life.
