Documentary Photography & Magical Realism

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Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1980 is an acclaimed documentary photographer and visual artist currently based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. His work stands out for a unique creative evolution that spans from international photojournalism in high-conflict zones to a profound immersion into magical realism, tenderly capturing the dignity, cultural diversity, and small daily epics of historically marginalized communities.

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Biography & Creative Evolution

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For him, photography began as a trade and quickly transformed into a spiritual path and a way of documenting the human memory.

• Beginnings & Photojournalism: In 2000, his calling led him to document environments of extreme social complexity, traveling to Palestine during the Second Intifada. This event marked a turning point in his gaze, consolidating his commitment to a camera that seeks to strip down reality rather than dress it up.

• A Journey Through the World: Over the next two decades, his footsteps as a wanderer led him to portray contrasting realities in countries such as Spain, Guatemala, Cuba, and Mexico. He worked independently in architectural, aerial, and documentary photography for various organizations.

• The Shift to Magical Realism: Over time, Gastón crossed an invisible boundary, moving away from purely journalistic records to delve into fine art photography. Today, his visual language blends a powerful use of black and white with sudden bursts of vibrant color, creating mystical compositions where nature, identity, and human traditions coexist.

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Career Highlights, Awards & Exhibitions

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Throughout his career, his distinctive approach has received multiple international recognitions and has led to major projects with profound social impact:

• 2005: Winner of the 1st National Prize in the Movida Joven contest as the director and screenwriter of the short film “Dormí tranquilo” (Uruguay).

• 2008: Collective photography exhibition on the Social Forum of the Americas (Guatemala).

• 2010: Solo exhibition “Pedacitos de Cuba” (Little Pieces of Cuba).

• 2017: Finalist in the internationally renowned National Geographic platform (category: Errante).

• 2018: 1st Prize Winner by the Eurasian Art Union in Moscow, Russia, with his exhibition “Gotas del tiempo” (Drops of Time).

• 2019: Creator of the monumental Playa del Carmen Codex, an 80-meter urban installation composed of 52 portraits, created to mark International Indigenous Peoples' Day.