Series description
Growing up without role models can make it difficult to dream or recognise one’s ability to shape the future. This photographic series seeks to create a precedent through collaboration with activists and artists from various Indigenous communities in southern Mexico, particularly from Oaxaca state. Their stories offer a glimpse into the world we are living in, and how their roles and work are generating meaningful impact and change in their communities and beyond. This project is intended to be published as a children’s book, with digital illustrations made by the photographer.
Biography
Citlali Fabian is a visual artist from the Yalalteca Indigenous community in Mexico. Her work has been awarded by the Bertha Foundation, Magnum Foundation, National Geographic Society and Arts Council England. She was named one of the Discoveries of the Meeting Place of FotoFest 2018 Biennale.
Yasnaya Elena Aguilar
Yasnaya is an Ayuujk linguist, writer and activist who advocates for language diversity and indigenous rights. Here, Yasnaya is represented with her grandma and great grandma, the pillars of her education and her guides to seeing the world. The ‘ää’ represents the seeds she has planted to protect and preserve her native language.
© Citlali Fabian, Mexico, Finalist, Professional Competition, Creative, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Malena Rios
Malena is a saxophonist, feminist and women's rights defender, originally from Santo Domingo Tonala, Oaxaca. She became the face against women's violence after suffering an acid attack and her campaigns promoted a law to protect women from this type of attack. The text on this image reads: ‘They wanted to see us burn, they didn't know we are fire.’
© Citlali Fabian, Mexico, Finalist, Professional Competition, Creative, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Elvira Ayuuk
Originally from Santa Maria Alotepec, Oaxaca, Elvira is a human rights defender and lawyer. She collaborates with Amnesty International Mexico and participates in UN events, such as the Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues and the Commission on the Status of Women. Here, Elvira is represented with her sister and mother, who guided and inspired her to pursue her career.
© Citlali Fabian, Mexico, Finalist, Professional Competition, Creative, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Luna Maran
Luna is a Zapotec filmmaker, educator and activist. Her latest film, Chicharras (Cicadas) was co-created and co-produced with her community, and narrates the defence of indigenous territory, communal organisation and women's political participation. This image represents her surrounded by cicadas, creating waves of change with their communal song.
© Citlali Fabian, Mexico, Finalist, Professional Competition, Creative, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Nayelli Lopez Reyes
Nayelli is a triqui weaver, podcaster, and women's rights activist. In her podcast, Güií Chanáa, she spoke with women from her community, criticising the patriarchal practices they are forced to follow. In this image, flying birds dressed in her traditional clothing accompany her, symbolising freedom, while brocado lines represent her wings.
© Citlali Fabian, Mexico, Finalist, Professional Competition, Creative, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Maestra Lety Gallardo
Lety Gallardo is a musician, director and founder of the first regional women's band, Mujeres del Viento Florido. Through her work she has become a girls' rights defender, promoting inclusion in a male-dominated field. In this image, Lety is shown directing her favourite Oaxacan musical composition, Dios nunca muere (God never dies).
© Citlali Fabian, Mexico, Finalist, Professional Competition, Creative, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Edith Morales
Edith Morales is a visual artist, territory and water defender, and seed guardian. Here, Edith is represented with a milpa (a pre-Hispanic agricultural system) and a corn plant, surrounded by the concepts that have guided her work and life.
© Citlali Fabian, Mexico, Finalist, Professional Competition, Creative, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Mitzy Violeta Cortez
Mitzy is part of Indigenous Futures, a network that discusses the climate crisis from the perspective of Indigenous peoples. She has participated in forums including COP26 and COP30. In this portrait, Mitzy is represented with her ancestors and future generations as a united front in the defence of their territory.
© Citlali Fabian, Mexico, Finalist, Professional Competition, Creative, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards