Collective Memory and Ancient Wisdom: Sandra Ramírez's Photographic Narrative

Text by Oman Morí (@omanmori)

Humans are fundamentally shaped by their relationship with the land they inhabit. This physical context not only molds our intellect but also influences our perception of reality. For a photographer, the camera serves as a means to reflect on oneself through this intricate connection—a tool to capture their position in the world while also expressing their motivations and inner interests. The resulting images become powerful representations of collective memory, validating communities, preserving knowledge, and offering alternative perspectives on the world.

Colombian photographer Sandra Ramírez has dedicated her work to living and collaborating with communities and associations that safeguard vast jungle territories, promoting ancient wisdom and fostering a harmonious relationship with nature. She articulates her approach, stating, "I embrace photography as a constant journey, a visual testimony of the diversity and complexity of the connections between the environment and those who inhabit it."

Among the organizations she collaborates with is Pukka Shungo, nestled in the jungles of Tingo María, Peru—a Quechua name meaning "Red Heart" in Spanish. Founded by the Cenepo Pinedo family, stewards of these forests since the 1940s, Pukka Shungo emerged in the mid-2000s with a mission to share the jungle experience with the world. Their goal is to reconnect with ancestral knowledge and territories, fostering a coexistence where humans harmonize with the forces of nature.

In her photographic work, Sandra Ramírez skillfully incorporates the symbolic attributes that such landscapes offer. She captures human bodies against natural textures, illustrating the interconnectedness of this relationship as a unified whole. Through her lens, she not only documents but also elevates the profound connection between humanity and the environment.

Pukka Shungo's mission, as stated by Ramírez, is intricately tied to the sacred aspects of plants such as Coca and Ayahuasca, with a vision to ensure that future generations carry memories nurtured among ancient trees.

To explore more of Sandra Ramírez's work, visit her website or social media platforms.