Phyllis Galembo's photographs of the astounding mask cultures of Mexico

Brought together in a new book, Phyllis Galembo: Mexico, Masks & Rituals, the fascinating survey captures cultural performances with a subterranean political edge. Using her direct, unaffected portrait style, Galembo shoots her subjects informally posed but often strikingly attired in traditional or ritualistic dress.

Through these vibrant colour photographs, she highlights the artistry of the performers, how they use materials from their immediate environment to morph into a fantastical representation of themselves and an idealised vision of a mythical figure.

In a gorgeous, fascinating photographic survey of Mexico’s masking practices, Galembo captures her subjects suspended between past, present and future, with their religious, political and cultural affiliations—their personal and collective identifications—displayed on their bodies.

Phyllis Galembo: Mexico, Masks & Rituals is co-published by Radius Books/D.A.P and is available via artbook.com. To find out more about Phyllis Galembo, visit her website at www.galembo.com.