About
Nestor Torres Lupercio
Im a photographer with over a decade of experience, I have honed my craft to capture the essence of each moment. I am proud to have been recognized as one of the top 10 Discovered: Emerging Artists of Sonoma County in 2019. Photography is more than just a medium for me; it's a therapeutic outlet that grounds me and brings me peace. I use my camera not only to capture beautiful images but also as a tool for my mental health and self-care. It's my passion, my art, and my medicine.
Growing up with Hispanic and Latino roots, I have always been drawn to the beloved board game, Loteria. This game holds a special place in my heart, evoking fond memories of gathering with friends and family, sharing laughter, and creating new memories. With this passion for the game and a love for photography, I set out to capture the essence of our diverse communities through Loteria portraits. This photo essay explores the unique and nomadic roots of our people, whether we crossed the border or the border crossed us. In a modern melting pot of so many cultures throughout North, Central, and South America, Loteria has become an inspirational source to express new identities, cultural norms, and taboos. From memes to art, Loteria is a cultural touchstone that unites Latinos, Hispanics, Chicanos, and people from all backgrounds in a shared experience. Through my ongoing art project, I aim to capture the pride, diversity, and many other important themes within our community.
For me, photography is an expression of love and a way to document the beauty of life. Over the past few years, my lens has been drawn to the deeply personal and meaningful tradition of Dia DeLos Muertos in Mexico. As a Mexican-American born in Sonoma County, I felt a powerful instinct to migrate back to Mexico to complete a spiritual life cycle, guided by the spirits of my ancestors, much like the monarch butterflies that journey south every year. Through sequential trips, I have been able to capture the intricate details leading up to, during, and after the celebrations, which hold a special place in my heart.
As I plan to photograph different cities and towns in Mexico to document Dia de los Muertos traditions, my goal is to showcase the depth and beauty of our customs beyond the commercialized images of sugar skulls and catrinas, like the new Catrina Barbie doll. It is important to me that newer generations understand the significance of our heritage and the evolution of our customs, as influenced by mainstream culture, like Disney's movie Coco.
Through my photography, I strive to empower and honor my bicultural identity, which is often under attack. My love for my heritage is strongly represented in each image, as I seek to document what is often misunderstood or feared. Each photo is a testament to the beauty and richness of my cultural roots, and a celebration of the love that connects us all.