River Claure is a Bolivian photographer whose work delves into the complexities of cultural identity and the beauty of everyday life in Bolivia. His photos, infused with magical realism, capture the landscapes and communities of his homeland with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Based in Cochabamba, a valley where his grandparents sought refuge from political conflicts in the 1970s, Claure’s work is deeply rooted in his personal history and ancestry. Despite initially denying his Indigenous roots in his youth, he has since embraced them through his art, exploring themes of community, tradition, and spirituality.
Christian symbolism often finds its way into Claure’s work, as seen in his series “Virgin Cerro,” where religious imagery is reimagined through the lens of Bolivian culture. Playfulness is also a key element of his practice, with scenes of local children and soccer players capturing the joy and spontaneity of everyday life.
Nostalgia permeates Claure’s images, evoking a sense of longing for a connection to the mystical and sacred. Through his compositions, he challenges capitalist influences and creates his own myths, questioning societal values and the nature of change.
Recently awarded the E.O. Wilson Fellowship as part of the Vital Impacts awards, Claure is working on a project titled “A Boat for the Future of the Mountains,” which focuses on environmental challenges facing communities in the Bolivian Andes. Through his photography, he aims to shed light on the disappearing lakes and rivers in the region, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Claure’s work is a blend of reality and fantasy, blurring the lines between the past and the present, the mundane and the extraordinary. His images invite viewers to ponder the complexities of cultural identity, community, and the natural world, offering a unique perspective on life in Bolivia.
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