Eyes to Fly With: Poetic Lens on Culture and Identity
A powerful retrospective of Mexico’s foundational figure of modern Mexican photography
April 02nd, 2026
C/O Berlin presents the first major retrospective of Graciela Iturbide in Berlin, bringing her evocative photographic universe to the city. The exhibition took place from Saturday, February 7, 2026, to Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Amerika-Haus. “ Mujer Ángel, Sonoran Desert, 1979” introduces Berlin audiences to the evocative and poetic photographic universe of Graciela Iturbide, offering a comprehensive retrospective that spans over five decades of work and highlights her enduring influence on contemporary photography.
Graciela Iturbide, born in 1942 in Mexico City, is one of the most influential figures in contemporary photography. Known for her striking black-and-white images, she combines documentary practice with a poetic and symbolic sensibility. Developed in close collaboration with the artist, the exhibition presents both her most iconic series and previously unpublished photographs.
A central theme in her work is the role of women, particularly within the Zapotec communities of Juchitán, Oaxaca, where women hold positions of power and challenge stereotypical gender roles. Iturbide also explored the legacy of Frida Kahlo through her photographs of the Casa Azul, revealing intimate aspects of the artist’s life beyond her public image. Other important series focus on the indigenous Seri community in northwestern Mexico and the ritual of “La Matanza” in the Mixteca region.
Eyes to Fly With, further includes rarely seen works from Iturbide’s travels to India and Bangladesh. While her photography often documents specific cultures and communities, her poetic vision elevates her images beyond simple representation. Her work invites viewers to reflect on identity, spirituality, and the relationship between humans and their environment.
Curated by Sophia Greiff and Melissa Harris, this retrospective highlights the evolution of a unique artistic voice whose influence extends far beyond Mexico. As one of the top exhibitions in Berlin in 2026, it offers a rare opportunity to experience the depth and resonance of Iturbide’s work.
