Sergio Larrain

Sergio Larrain (1931–2012) crossed the photographic universe like a meteorite. After much travelling, his concern for purity and his attraction to meditation led him to withdraw to the Chilean countryside and live self- sufficiently. From there he began to write – concerned as he was about the need to encourage the world to wake up to its possible fate – while continuing in his deep love of photography. His work became limited to instants of enlightenment, pure moments of amazement. Sergio Larrain only published four books of his work during his lifetime, and a complete monograph of his work has never been put together. It was his choice, but this book fills that gap. Created with the full agreement of his family, it is edited by Agnès Sire, who after keeping up a long correspondence with the photographer, has worked with Magnum on preserving his estate. The selection of over 200 photographs is made up of two main axes, Latin America and Europe: Macchu Pichu, Bolivia, Chile and Valparaiso; and London, Paris and Italy. A true reflection of Larrain’s extraordinary personality, the book also features a selection of essential letters, drawings, workbooks and handwritten texts about meditation.