Japanese Artist’s Guadalupe Photo Exhibition Opens in Cozumel

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) has inaugurated the contemporary photography exhibition “Se Buscan Guadalupes” by Japanese artist Ryuichi Yahagi. The exhibition celebrates the cultural and social significance of the name Guadalupe, which over generations has become an identity reference deeply linked to the country’s history and spirituality.

During the cultural evening, led by Island Museum director Isela Carrillo Cupul, it was highlighted that the project already includes over 950 portraits of people named Guadalupe from different regions of Mexico, including 94 Cozumel residents who responded to the local call.

The island community enthusiastically joined this initiative that Ryuichi Yahagi has developed over 17 years as a visual and anthropological investigation into the presence of the name in daily life, its symbolism, and its direct connection to the Guadalupe figure, an essential part of Mexican culture.

Representing FPMC general director Juanita Alonso Marrufo, Carrillo Cupul presented recognition to the artist, noting that this is his second exhibition at the museum center, after presenting the collection “Colores entre el Cielo y la Tierra” in 2008.

Accompanied by FPMC advisor Alejandro Queb Franco and museographer Satoko Kitamura, she emphasized the importance of Cozumel being part of a living archive that continues to grow and reflects Mexico’s deep connection with its Guadalupe identity.

Ryuichi Yahagi especially thanked the people of Cozumel, of different ages, who responded to the FPMC’s call and participated in the photography sessions, indicating that their portraits are now part of the project’s collection, which will continue traveling through Mexico and other countries, enriching its visual and anthropological archive.

Finally, the Japanese photographer acknowledged the role of the Island Museum as a space that promotes contemporary art and provides opportunities for national and international artists to present their projects to local, national, and international audiences, thereby strengthening the destination’s cultural offerings.