Graciela Iturbide named first Mexican photographer in Leica Hall of Fame

Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide has been named the recipient of the Leica Hall of Fame Award 2026. This distinction makes her the first Mexican photographer to be inducted into the prestigious group.

The award, announced on October 8 during a celebration in Wetzlar, Germany, recognizes Iturbide’s five-decade career exploring Latin American cultural history, indigenous traditions, and the intersections of modernity and mysticism. Her work is noted for its humanist approach, often utilizing black and white imagery to capture themes of life, death, and identity.

In addition to the Hall of Fame honor, her photograph ‘Na’ Lupe Pan’ from her Juchitán series was selected as the Leica Picture of the Year 2026. An exhibition featuring over 50 of her photographs will be held at the Leica Gallery in Wetzlar through January 2027.