Juan Tapias

Visual Storyteller & Documentary Photographer - Architect

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Location: Barranquilla

Nationality: Colombiano

Biography: Juan Tapias is a Colombian photographer based in Bogotá, Colombia. Tapias is a documentary and conceptual photographer whose work explores everyday narratives of human life, culture, and its impact on the built environment. He is trained... MORE

The Patience that Gives Life: D...icity and love in every detail.

The Patience that Gives Life: Don Alonso and his Cantina as a Refuge of Hope, Funza, Colombia, 2011

In the heart of adult life, where time seems to pass differently, we find Don Alonso, a peaceful peasant who leads his existence with the serenity of someone who has learned that patience is an invaluable virtue. In the cozy corner of his cantina, Don Alonso calmly awaits the arrival of clients, and on his face there is the expression of a man who understands that the essence of life lies in waiting.

In this quiet corner, Don Alonso prepares meticulously to serve those looking for more than just a meal. He offers a unique experience, a piece of his life dedicated to satisfying the palates and souls of those who cross the threshold of his cantina. The passion he puts into his work is palpable in every detail of his establishment, in every dish he prepares with love and dedication.

As the minutes tick by, Don Alonso watches with patience and hope, trusting that his corner will be filled with diners eager for his food and hospitality. His look reflects not only the expectation of a clientele, but also the confidence that life will reward his perseverance and commitment.

This image invites us to reflect on adult life, where patience and perseverance become indispensable allies. Don Alonso personifies the importance of keeping faith in our efforts and finding beauty in moments of waiting. In her story, we find a reminder that sometimes the most valuable reward is the satisfaction of offering something special to the world and the joy of sharing it with those who value authenticity and love in every detail.

The Testimony of Hope in the Mi... more just and equitable world.

The Testimony of Hope in the Middle of Chaos: A protester, with a determined look, becomes a beacon of tranquility while waiting for the arrival of the police to restore peace in the midst of social unrest. Bogota Colombia, 2015

In the depths of Colombia, a nation marked by its history of struggle and resistance, social protest has evolved in astonishing ways. In this scenario of challenges and desires, the firm expression of this protester becomes a symbol of hope and courage.

The photograph captures a moment of tense calm that transcends words. As the world watches, this individual stands as a reminder of human resilience in times of uncertainty. Their determination reflects the unwavering will of a society united in its quest for justice and change.

In this frozen fragment of time, social unrest temporarily gives way to the bravery of those fighting for a better future. The look of this protester urges us to question and reflect on the power of peaceful resistance and perseverance in the midst of chaos.
This image reminds us that even in the darkest moments, humanity can find the light of hope and unity. It is a testament to the capacity of the human spirit to face challenges with determination, inspiring everyone to keep faith in the possibility of a more just and equitable world.

A Journey of Flavors and Tradit...nd and sea that surrounds them.

A Journey of Flavors and Traditions: Bundles of Dried Fish in the Heart of Colombian Chocó, 2012

In the most authentic corner of Colombian Chocó, a land of rich cultural and natural diversity, an ancestral practice emerges: tying dried fish. These intricate packages of flavor and culture are not only an ingenious transportation solution, but also a symbol rooted in the identity of Chocoan communities.

When we watch dried fish being tied with skill and care, we are witnessing a deep connection to the land and river that has sustained these communities for centuries. The meticulous preparation of these bundles reflects the symbiotic relationship between the inhabitants of this region and their natural environment.

In Chocó, each bundle of fish becomes a link in the chain of stories, recipes and traditions that have been transmitted from generation to generation. These packages not only carry essential foods, but also the cultural legacy of a resilient community and its commitment to sustainability.

Each bundle of dried fish, as it travels along the routes of this dream trip through Chocoan treatment, reminds us that history and gastronomy are inextricably intertwined in this magical corner of Colombia. The beauty of the Chocoan culture lies not only in the delicious food it produces, but also in the deep respect and love that its inhabitants have for the land and sea that surrounds them.

The Pulse of the City: Bogot&am...acles, remains a way back home.

The Pulse of the City: Bogotá and its Mass Transportation System. Bogota, Colombia, 2015

The city of Bogotá, like many large cities in the world, struggles daily with the complexity of urban mobility. In this moment frozen in time, we contemplate a scenario that is repeated tirelessly: an articulated bus trip, a fragment of daily life that, despite its apparent routine, contains a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences.

The light that bathes this public space, while generating an atmosphere of calm, also evokes a calm impatience that is inherent to large cities. The passengers, reflected in this scene, are protagonists of their own daily odyssey. Their faces reveal a range of emotions: expectation, fatigue, reflection and hope.

The mass transportation system is the pulse of the city, where citizens intertwine in a synchronized dance of movement and pause. On this journey home, each person is a node in the urban network, a vital piece in the machinery that drives the life of Bogotá.

Through this image, we can reflect on the complex reality of modern metropolises. The faces reflect the diversity of stories and dreams that coexist in a shared space, and the ray of light that passes through them symbolizes the faith and hope that persist in the midst of urban challenges.

Ultimately, this photograph captures the very essence of Bogotá and all cities like it: the ability of its inhabitants to find beauty and purpose in everyday life, and the hope of a journey that, despite its obstacles, remains a way back home.

The Living Memory of Cartagena:... extraordinary city. See story

The Living Memory of Cartagena: The Legacy of its Arches and the Responsibility to Preserve It

The majestic arches that stand as guardians at the entrance to the walled area of Cartagena are much more than an impressive work of architecture. These imposing monuments are silent custodians of history, bearers of the traces of time and witnesses of the evolution of a city that is torn between its cultural heritage and the appeal of mass tourism.

The walled city of Cartagena is a treasure of humanity's historical heritage, and inside, these arches are beacons of identity and legacy. Each stone that makes up this structure tells the story of a place that has been shaped by centuries of cultural influences and challenges.

Today, Cartagena finds itself at a crossroads between the need to preserve its heritage and the pressure of overflowing tourism that often threatens its integrity. The social and historical responsibility of conserving and maintaining the architecture that characterizes it falls on the shoulders of all those who love this city.

These arches urge us to reflect on the value of cultural preservation and respect for history. Every time we admire its majesty, we are remembering the importance of protecting the treasures that have been entrusted to our generation.

Cartagena is a reminder that the past and present can coexist harmoniously if embraced with responsibility and care. These arches are a call to action, an invitation to preserve not only the architectural beauty, but also the cultural richness and identity of this extraordinary city.
See story

A long trip home. Bogot&aac...acles, remains a way back home.

A long trip home. Bogotá and its Mass Transportation System. Bogota, Colombia, 2015

The city of Bogotá, like many large cities in the world, struggles daily with the complexity of urban mobility. In this moment frozen in time, we contemplate a scenario that repeats itself tirelessly: an articulated bus trip, a fragment of daily life that, despite its apparent routine, contains a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences.

The light that bathes this public space, while generating an atmosphere of calm, also evokes a calm impatience that is exclusive to large cities. The passengers, reflected in this scene, are protagonists of their own daily odyssey. Their faces reveal a range of emotions: expectation, fatigue, reflection and hope.

The mass transportation system is the pulse of the city, where citizens intertwine in a synchronized dance of movement and pause. On this journey home, each person is a node in the urban network, a vital piece in the machinery that drives the life of Bogotá.

Through this image, we can reflect on the complex reality of modern metropolises. The faces reflect the diversity of stories and dreams that coexist in a shared space, and the ray of light that passes through them symbolizes the faith and hope that persist in the midst of urban challenges.

Ultimately, this photograph captures the very essence of Bogotá and all cities like it: the ability of its inhabitants to find beauty and purpose in everyday life, and the hope of a journey that, despite its obstacles, remains a way back home.

The Pereira Challenge: Street V...harmony with their environment.

The Pereira Challenge: Street Vendors and the Future of a City in Transformation

Pereira, a city with a spectacular landscape and incalculable potential, faces a challenge that reflects the crossroads between tradition and urban progress. The street vendors that appear on its streets are a true reflection of the environmental and urban challenges that mark the path to the future.

Every day, street vendors flood the sidewalks in a ritual of consumption that, in its excess, is transforming the urban and cultural fabric of the city. This phenomenon, at first glance, may seem like cultural chaos, but it is also a wake-up call about the need to find a balance between growth and preservation.

Street vending, at its core, is a manifestation of the informal economy and the need for many people to earn a living amid a challenging economic landscape. However, its uncontrolled proliferation raises questions about urban planning and sustainability.

Pereira stands at a crucial crossroads: it must address these challenges to preserve its identity and natural beauty while ensuring a prosperous future for its citizens. This will require a comprehensive approach that promotes the coexistence of street vending with orderly and sustainable urban development.

This image urges us to contemplate the dilemma of a city in transition, where history and modernity intertwine. Instead of seeing cultural chaos, we can interpret it as a reminder that progress must embrace its roots and care for its natural environment. Pereira has the potential to be a model for how to address the urban and environmental challenges of the future, maintaining its identity and creating a place where citizens thrive in harmony with their environment.

Faith that Illuminates Every St...e in our lives and communities.

Faith that Illuminates Every Step: Religious meeting under the scorching sun. Nuns of Santafé de Antioquia. 2008

In the midst of the burning sun that floods the traditional streets of Santafé de Antioquia, a group of nuns advances with determination. This religious encounter transcends mere appearance; It is a testimony of devotion, service and commitment to a greater cause.

These women, whose daily lives are a spiritual gateway into a world of altruism and compassion, are beacons of hope in a society often engulfed in turmoil. Their mission goes beyond words; It is a call to action on behalf of those most in need.

The scorching sun that reflects on their faces reinforces the idea that faith is a light that never goes out, a source of inspiration that gives them the strength to continue their tireless work. In their commitment, we find a reminder that religion can be an engine for good in the world, a beacon of hope that guides those willing to serve.

Spirituality and altruism are intertwined in this everyday scene, reminding us that faith is not limited to the walls of a place of worship, but is manifested in the daily actions of those who profess it. The nuns of Santafé de Antioquia are an example of how faith can be a catalyst for positive social change.

This image is a tribute to the dedication of these women and a call to reflect on the role of religion in building a better world. In their quick steps and unwavering commitment, we find a message of hope and a reminder that faith can be a transformative force in our lives and communities.

The Resistance of New Venice: P...ath to a more hopeful tomorrow.

The Resistance of New Venice: Palafitic Architecture in the Middle of the Waters. New Venice, 2017

Nestled in the majestic Ciénaga Grande del Magdalena, the town of Nueva Venecia stands as an impressive testimony of the cultural influence and unwavering determination of a people who have known how to overcome adversity. Its stilt architecture, a group of houses built on stilts in the waters, is much more than a form of construction; It is a symbol of human resilience in the midst of an environment that constantly challenges its existence.

New Venice faces ongoing environmental threats due to climate change and increasing water instability. However, instead of succumbing to adversity, its inhabitants have reclaimed their life and culture in this waterlogged environment. They have woven a network of houses and structures over the water that allows them to not only survive, but also thrive in harmony with their environment.

The stilt architecture of New Venice is a living example of how culture and nature can coexist in perfect symbiosis. Each structure is a reminder of human adaptability and the ability to face seemingly insurmountable challenges. Each board and each post are a testimony to the determination of a people who have decided to maintain their identity and way of life despite the difficulties.

In this corner of the world, architecture becomes a means of resistance and cultural affirmation. New Venice reminds us that, even in the midst of environmental uncertainty, creativity and connection to the land can help us build a more sustainable and resilient future.

This image is a tribute to the fortress of New Venice and a call to reflect on the importance of preserving cultural traditions in a world increasingly affected by climate change. It teaches us that, despite challenges, determination and connection with nature can guide the path to a more hopeful tomorrow.

The Daily Heartbeat of Cartagen...ty of everyday life everywhere.

The Daily Heartbeat of Cartagena: A City in Motion. Cartagena, 2022

Cartagena, a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, is revealed in its daily scenes as a reflection of humanity in its daily struggle to satisfy its needs and aspirations. In this moment, captured in the middle of the urban bustle, we see its inhabitants deploying their ingenious tricks to accomplish their daily tasks.

The streets of Cartagena are a vibrant scene where the past and present intertwine in a constant dance of color, movement and life. Around every corner, there is a challenge that requires ingenuity and creativity to overcome.

This image not only reveals the vitality and diversity of daily life in Cartagena, but also invites us to appreciate the beauty that can emerge from the simplest of scenes. Each day of photographic walks around the city offers us a palette of colors, textures and emotions that enrich our understanding of the world around us.

In the background of this photograph, we find a reminder that, regardless of our circumstances, everyday life is full of opportunities for creativity and human connection. The tricks that the inhabitants of Cartagena use to accomplish their daily tasks are a testament to the inventiveness and resilience that characterize humanity.

Cartagena teaches us that life is a constantly evolving canvas, a masterpiece of colors, sounds and movements. This image is a tribute to the city and its inhabitants, an invitation to appreciate the beauty and complexity of everyday life everywhere.

Resilience in the Streets of Me...ight in the darkness."

Resilience in the Streets of Medellín: Street Sales in Comuna 13. Medellin, 2010

Comuna 13 of Medellín, despite its history marked by social violence and conflict, is an eloquent testimony of human resilience and the constant struggle for survival and progress. In the daily fabric of its streets, where street vendors flourish, an inspiring chapter is revealed of how daily life puts the strength of the human spirit in context.

These street sales are much more than simple commercial transactions; They are a reflection of the need, the opportunity and the tenacity that the law of the market and the will to survive offer in the midst of adversity. The residents of Comuna 13 have found in these commercial activities a way to transcend adversity and build a better future.

Through this image, we not only see the hustle and bustle of street sales, but we also sense the determination and hope that drives those who carry them out. In an environment where resilience is a vital tool, these sales are living examples of how creativity and initiative can be catalysts for positive change.

Commune 13 challenges us to question our preconceived perceptions and recognize the strength of community and the capacity for transformation that resides in each of us. This image is an invitation to reflect on human resilience and the importance of opportunity and entrepreneurship in the fight for a better future.

In the middle of the streets of Comuna 13, we see life that perseveres and hope that shines even in the most difficult conditions. It is a reminder that, despite challenges, humanity has the power to overcome obstacles and find the light in the darkness."

Man overboard, a Baptism of Con...t and responsibility."

Man overboard, a Baptism of Consciousness: Man's Struggle and Need for Water. New Site, Magdalena. 2020

This singular image captures a moment that resonates in human consciousness in a powerful way. A man stands at the edge of the water, with a playful gesture that contrasts with the deep admiration and respect he feels for this vital resource. Beyond its playful appearance, its expression reflects a keen awareness of the importance of water in our lives and the urgent need to take global measures for its preservation.

Climate change has become a global wake-up call, an inescapable reminder that our planet is in danger and that our actions have a significant impact on the balance of nature. Water, an essential resource for life on Earth, has become increasingly scarce and vulnerable due to altered weather patterns and irresponsible exploitation.

In this image, we see man as a symbol of humanity facing the reality of climate change. His playful gesture and reflective gaze invite us to consider the duality of our relationship with water: at the same time, we enjoy it and underestimate it. Their attitude reminds us that, while water is a source of fun and pleasure, it is also a limited resource that deserves our respect and care.

Awareness of climate change and the urgency of preserving water are crucial issues that affect us all, no matter where we live in the world. This image is a call to action, an invitation to reflect on how our daily choices can contribute to the sustainability and protection of our planet.

Ultimately, this photograph reminds us that we are stewards of our environment and that our relationship with water, as well as with nature as a whole, must be based on admiration, respect and responsibility."

"The Transforming Powe...oy it to the fullest."

"The Transforming Power of the Sea: Children Playing on the Beach

This evocative image immerses us in a day at the beach, where the elements of nature and the very essence of life are in a captivating balance. Children who play to the powerful rhythm of the waves not only enjoy the present, but also embody the deep relationship that human beings have with water and land.

The sea, with its vastness and mystery, has always been a symbol of power and resilience. The sounds of the waves and the sensation of water caressing the skin connect us with a feeling of tranquility and wonder. Children, in their simplicity and joy, remind us that this connection is innate in us and that nature has the power to nourish our souls.

This image is also a reminder of the importance of instilling in future generations a deep awareness of the need to protect and preserve our natural environment. Children playing on the beach are the future of our planet and their positive relationship with nature is essential to ensure the sustainability and beauty of the Earth for generations to come.

The ritual of consciousness that we witness in this image is a testimony to the transformative power of the sea and the land. It reminds us that as we move into an uncertain future, we must look to nature not only as a resource, but as a vital partner in our existence.

The beach, the sea, and children playing are a reminder that, even amid the challenges and uncertainties of today's world, the beauty and hope of nature are always within reach. This image is a call to appreciate and protect this gift we have inherited and to act responsibly to ensure that future generations can enjoy it to the fullest."

"Portraits of the Rena...evails over violence."

"Portraits of the Renaissance: Hope and Resilience on the Path to Peace. Bogota, Colombia. 2015

On the vast stage of human history, the faces we see in this image represent the constant resurgence of culture, hope and faith in the midst of adversity. They are characters that emerge from everyday life to settle in our memories and hopes, as a reflection of the innate human capacity for resilience, forgiveness and the determination to begin again.

This image is not only a testimony of Colombia's recent history, marked by a painful and prolonged armed conflict, but also a symbol of society's will not to repeat the mistakes of the past. In the midst of a peace process, these citizens of the world represent a call for reconciliation and the construction of a more peaceful future.

The resilience of those who have experienced the conflict firsthand is manifested in their faces, in their ability to overcome trauma and emotional scars. The hope they radiate is a reminder that peace is a goal worth pursuing, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Forgiveness, reconciliation and the will not to repeat past violence are the foundations on which a path to lasting peace is built. These citizens are anonymous heroes who represent the personal and collective transformation that is possible when peaceful coexistence is prioritized.

This image is a reminder that, amid the dark moments of history, there is always the possibility of a new beginning. It urges us to reflect on the importance of peace and appreciate human resilience and determination in the pursuit of a brighter future. It is a call to action, an invitation to be part of the change and to contribute to a world in which peace prevails over violence."

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Copyright Juan Tapias 2024

Updated Jun 2023

Location Colombia

Topics Architecture, Culture, Culture stories, Documentary, Editorial, Photography, Street

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Juan Tapias

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A young life apprentice

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