Through her photographs and now on video, Maya Goded (Mexico, 1967) explores the subjects of female sexuality, prostitution and gender violence in a society in which the role of women is narrowly defined and femininity is shrouded in myths of chastity, fragility and motherhood.
She has published several books and co-authored others, including Plaza de la Soledad, published in Spain by Lunwerg; Good Girls, published in New York by Umbrige; and Tierra Negra, published in Mexico by El Milagro.
Maya’s photographs convey a rare sense of intimacy and authenticity, the product of mutual trust established with the subject over time. It is this coming together of subject and photographer ?so tangible in the body language of her portraits? that elicits the empathy of the viewer. She is not afraid to depict people in difficult situations, whether it’s the valiant among us whose refusal to conform constitutes a threat to established norms or the vulnerable, whose lives are deformed by notions of power and control.
Her penetrating gaze, her constant questioning of preconceived ideas and striving to bring us insight into little known realities, her gift for celebrating otherness and a humanity that transcends social barriers have won Maya numerous awards and scholarships.
Awards
2000- Eugene Smith, Memorial Fund, Inc. USA
2001- Guggenheim Foundation. USA
2003 and 2011 National Council for Culture and Arts. Mexico
2010- Prince Claus Fund. Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Maya’s photographs have been exhibited in the United States, Latin America, Europe, China and Africa. Solo exhibits of her work have also been staged by some of the world’s most prestigious museums and festivals.
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