Marisol Mendez’s Madre is a powerful and brave exploration of Bolivia’s cultural and religious landscape, challenging colonial representations of women. The title, published by Setanta Books, is not merely a collection of images but an in-depth exploration of femininity, grappling with rigid religious and cultural interpretations that have historically confined women to polarising archetypes – the holy Virgin Mary or the perceived sinner Mary Magdalene. By intertwining Andean folklore and Catholic iconography, Madre shines a spotlight on contemporary Bolivian identity, reflecting the country’s diverse and multifaceted culture.
