Project Statement:
The matanza—Spanish for ‘slaughter’ or ‘killing’—is a link that connects current and future generations of New Mexicans with their ancestors. Before electricity, it was a way for communities throughout the region to ensure everyone had fresh meat during the winter months. Today, it endures as a celebratory time for friends and neighbors to reconnect over a day of feasting. Killing Tradition: Matanzas in New Mexico is an ongoing, personal project and visual exploration of the cultural significance of this tradition and its place in contemporary society.
Artist Bio:
Fueled by the light, lonely landscapes and diverse people of New Mexico, photographer Steven St. John loves to explore his home state from his base in Albuquerque.
