Through Frank Blazquez portraiture we are introduced to the different identities and symbolisms that shape the Latinx neighbourhoods of New Mexico: communities with strong roots and a proud sense of place, while facing immense difficulties. In his photography, Blazquez depicts both these dualities and tells the stories we often don’t read about. Blazquez hopes that by giving voice to these unfiltered humanly-charged narratives, we can question and break down stereotypes.
Q > What motivated you to start documenting lives with your camera?
A > When I quit heroin, my psychologist and I decided I had to focus on an activity to satisfy the obsessive behavioural patterns I had. I always wanted to make films, so I began with digital portrait photography.
Q > What inspires you?
A > Movies — mostly moving-image related media. As someone with a History degree, I focus on the connection between historiography and narratives. Also, my bread-and-butter is portrait photography, and I try to structure my film around the same framework.
Q > How does where you live affect your work?
A > It has major implications — my environment. In fact, my main project is titled Barrios de Nuevo Mexico (neighbourhoods of New Mexico) — I have a succinct focus on the Southwest atmosphere.
Q > Growing. Rebelling. Corrupted innocence. Trauma — What key experiences have shaped your adult life?
A > As I previously stated, my former relationship with opiates opened my eyes to the profound obstacles associated with the socio-economic landscape in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I observed, first-hand, the domestic atrocities destroying New Mexican families.
Q > In what period/location have you learnt the most?
A > Albuquerque, New Mexico, and more specifically: the War Zone district. This particular neighbourhood is fascinating in terms of Southwest urban lifestyles.
Q > What assumption(s) do people tend to make about you?
A > I have face, neck, and skull tattoos — so it’s always a surprise when people find out that I work part-time at an ophthalmology office. I assist in post-cataract surgery procedures. I started working in an eyeglass laboratory around 17 years of age. That is also the reason why I was able to understand camera theory, because ophthalmology uses the same formulas for light behaviour and index of refraction concepts — foundational concepts of quantum physics. The study of light has always been a part of my life.
Q > Which things would you like to include more or less of in your life?
A > I used to think that surrounding myself with other artists was a good idea. That did not really work out well. Artists are wildly emotional — and strange. Yes, I know this includes myself. Artists are just too much sometimes.
Q > What role does music play in your life?
A > Growing up, in my house, my parents constantly played the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, etc. when I was a child. I think that opened my eyes to a diverse selection of music. Some people find that odd, given my family is full Mexican.
Frank Blazquez (born in Chicago) is a visual artist working in representational portraiture, documentary film, photomontage, and mixed-media. He is also a writer, with multiple essays published in The Guardian.
Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Blazquez focuses on Southwest counter-narratives — presenting symbols connected to his role as a Mexican American artist. His artwork is in the State of the Art 2020 exhibit at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and his recent exhibitions include SITE Santa Fe, Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, Southwest Contemporary, the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, and the Historic Santa Fe Foundation, Canyon Road.
Despite his recent exhibitions, Blazquez’s imagery has been considered controversial: some venues have cancelled scheduled shows, and he has also received emailed death threats. In spite of this, Blazquez remains relentless in his pursuit of creating photographic art.
Blazquez created, directed, and produced the series Duke City Diaries. This documentary series highlights stories from the streets of Albuquerque — with some narratives covering New Mexico’s War Zone district. Additionally, he is the creator of the contemporary art project MEXICAN SUBURBS — abstract mixed-media and objects tailored to his American experience. He received a BA in History with distinction from the University of New Mexico.
