JP Stones Recreates Indigenous Aztec Myths with Cinematic Portraits

Fascinating Aztec myths come to life through cinematic portraits in JP Stones’ latest cultural workshop project.

It’s been a while since we last placed the spotlight on the stunning portrait photography project and workshop of Mexico-based JP Stones, which showcase the rich and vibrant Aztec culture. He has since continued with the project, adding another dimension to it with a current focus on recreating Aztec myths. If you’re just as curious as we are about this latest development, we’re sure you’ll be impressed and inspired!

This phase of the project, according to JP, is especially dedicated to the younger generation of Mexicans, as they have been mostly exposed to western culture. In fact, prior to the project, he was discussing with his team about how pop culture doesn’t have a lot devoted to Meso-American stories in pop culture. “It’s the film Apocalypto and not much else!” he lamented. He couldn’t have picked a better topic than myths to pique the interest of today’s generation, knowing the powerful visual narratives they can create with it. “Myths are a great education tool, as they encapsulate a country’s history and character. So we decided to recount some of these ancient tales through photography.”

To shoot this series, JP teamed up with an indigenous Azteca community to make the portraits as accurate as possible. His workshop team also hiked into the jungle with all their equipment — strobes, fans and smoke machines, and other insanely heavy props and all. Their goal was to recreate the fantastic and otherworldly Aztec myths without using Photoshop, so they needed all these tools, including the pyrotechnics to help set the mood. The resulting series is even more cinematic as the first, and, as he described in his e-mail to us, an “almost heroic take on the creation myths behind modern-day Mexico.” It’s a fascinating proof of what can be achieved with intent and a clear creative vision.

Visit JP Stones’ website to find out more about his cultural workshops.

All images by JP Stones. Used with permission.