PHOTO

ESSAY:
FACES OF
COLOMBIA

BY
ANDRS VANEGAS CANOS
A
DECEMBER 14, 2012

ONE DAY SOMEONEasked me, IsColombiabeautiful? I had

been traveling and taking pictures for ten years, from Asia
through the Americas. And yet I was not sure if should say yes.
I am Colombian, and I could not be sure.
Once back in Colombia I took my camera and went north. I was
overwhelmed by the places, indigenous peoples, and ethnic
groups Id never seen before. I had not been a traveler in my own
country and the experience was magical.
These are some of the most beautiful faces I found

1
Wayuu
Wayuu, the desert people of Colombia. Wayuu is the main ethnic group inLa Guajira, and
many of the people here do not speak Spanish. This woman was selling souvenirs in
Cabo de la Vela, a small town close to the border with Venezuela. I asked her, What is on
your face? Fat! she said. They use this to protect themselves from the sun.

2
Helping clean rooms
In Cabo de la Vela the hotels are huts. There are no beds. Everybody sleeps in
hammocks. During the morning children wake up and run to play on the beach. However,
many of them work during the day, selling necklaces and bracelets. This young man was
helping his mom clean one of the rooms

3
On the beach
To reach Cabo de la Vela one has to cross a desert by 4x4. If you dont know the way, its
very easy to get lost. The panorama is incredible. I found this young lady on the beach
running after her dog. Once the animal was captured she smiled proudly.

4
Bringing water to the village
Tayrona National Natural Park is ideal for camping. However, if you are used to traveling
with a very small budget (as I do), hammocks are pricey (over 5 euros). I crossed paths
with this young man who was bringing water to the village.

5
Shy subject
I love taking pictures of children. This girl was extremely shy. I showed her a couple of
pictures I took of her sister and they both were laughing. Finally she took out her head
from the pot and I took a picture of her.

6
Very ok!
Walking through the streets of the old town in Cartagena de Indias, I heard a voice asking
me questions. I looked around and did not see anybody. The voice kept asking questions
and I thought maybe it was a joke. When I was close to leaving, I looked down and found
his face. Locked in the house, he was drunk. I asked if he was ok. Take a picture of this,
because I am very ok! he said.

7
A good hammock
Cabo de la Vela can be very hot during the day. Everybody goes inside and lies down on a
hammock at noon. The easiest way to pass time is with a cold Venezuelan beer (Polar)
and a good hammock.

8
Shower
In Cabo de la Vela children play all around. I found this little man who was enjoying
taking a shower. His family told him to spray water at me. I ran away. Before I left, I
looked back and took a picture of his victory defending his territory.

9
Good conversation
Cartagena de Indias is a world heritage city, with a beautiful old town. It's easy to find
many people sitting in parks or on the streets, and a good conversation is always
welcome. This man was very proud, telling me how incredible the city was.

10
You dance
Salsa is very typical in Cartagena de Indias. Don't worry if you don't know how to dance.
In a couple of minutes you will find yourself dancing and hoping that nobody is looking at
you. After two hours and a couple of aguardiente shots, you will be the one taking people
out to dance and screaming, wepaaaaa carajo!"

11
Cooking near the river
Colombians love Paseo de Olla. Usually a chicken is cooked in a big pot. The activity
takes place next to rivers. To cook next to the water is one of the best feelings.
Everybody is happy. Aguardiantico y cervecita all around! Cali is a city in western
Colombia. This girl was playing with orange mud while her parents were cooking.

12
Very small village
Some of the indigenous groups that live in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta are the Kogi,
Arhuaco, and Wiwa. This young man is from the Kogis and was in a very small village
deep in the jungle. Most of the Indigenous do not speak Spanish, and to communicate
with them is very difficult.

13
Fishermen on the beach
The only option for eating in Cabo de la Vela is fish. Many fishermen sell them on the
beach. Fish is always eaten with rice, lemon, and patacn. Fruits are all around, their
juices readily available.

14
Orange mud
In the countryside of Cali, this child and her friend decided that a good idea would be to
put orange mud around their faces and hands. It was a spectacular present for the eyes,
and I ended up covered in orange as well.

15
Helping haul fish
Many parents take their children to work with them. This young boy was helping his
father to haul fish from the boat. I bought two of their fish. After I left they were smiling.