Nelson Morales is an artist from Oaxaca, Mexico, whose photography has become a tool for cultural exploration and personal discovery. For years, the photographer has been documenting the “third gender” communities of southern Oaxaca called “muxes.” A
fter capturing countless images of the muxes, Morales began including himself in his photos, along with his muxe companions. He soon discovered that he also identified as muxe, and through the exploration of his work, he has exposed the world to a beautiful community, and also exposed himself to a true self-revelation.
Nelson recently sent Madre a collection of new images for the Madre Journal. We asked him a few questions, and his answers were as articulate and interesting as his photos.
Since I was a child I had an interest in art. I wanted to be an artist. I didn’t know exactly what kind of artist I wanted to be, I liked doing many things like dancing, singing, painting, etc. But I also liked to collect magazines, just to see the photographs, and I also liked to look at my family’s vintage photos, it inspired me a lot.
Over time I was able to buy my first professional camera, and the first photo was something magical, I will never forget it. From that moment, I decided that I wanted to express myself through photography. It’s taken a long time. I’ve prepared myself and I’ve taken it very seriously. Today, I do not regret having made that life decision.
First I think I am very visual, also that I feel comfortable communicating and transmitting sensations through images.
I also discovered that it is not enough just to have a good camera and make good images, we must go further and thoroughly investigate what one wants to say in the photographs. It’s not an easy path, constantly searching, and you have to be open to continued learning and accept that the medium is always changing.
Awakening emotions, confronting the spectator in many ways, some good others not, but always making them reflect.
In the end I always end by saying that everyone, absolutely everyone is the same, whether we change or modify our bodies, we are still human beings.
I show something that is real, what happens, that sometimes we do not want to look at and understand.
This fascinating world that I show is the result of my experiences, demons and fantasies, that continue to confront and fascinate me.