Gaby Herbstein

Mqya

2017

Photographer and visual artist Gaby Herbstein was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1969. Over the course of a 25-year career, she has used photography as a powerful tool for awareness, creating visionary works that explore spirituality, consciousness, identity, and humanity’s relationship with nature. Her multidisciplinary projects reflect a deep concern for the wellbeing of the planet and the preservation of the natural world, combining aesthetic sophistication with social and environmental engagement. Herbstein has presented solo and collective exhibitions internationally, including in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Peru, the United States, Russia, China, and Japan. Her acclaimed body of work includes landmark series such as Huellas (1999), dedicated to Indigenous Argentinian women; Heroínas (2000), inspired by influential women in Argentine history; the HIV awareness campaigns created in collaboration with Fundación Huésped; Aves del Paraíso (2008), an environmental allegory merging humans and birds; Huella Ecológica (2009–2011), focused on ecological imbalance; Uno (2011), exploring the concept of oneness between humans and nature; Estados de Conciencia (2013), a dreamlike exploration of self-discovery; Divina Belleza (2015), centered on sacred geometry and feminine beauty; La Diablada (2017), inspired by Andean carnival traditions; and Believe to See (2016–present), an ongoing multidisciplinary project examining faith and spirituality through diverse cultures and religions, supported by the United Nations’ Faith for Rights initiative and developed into a documentary series premiered by National Geographic Latin America in 2020. Gaby Herbstein has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the Prix de la Photographie Paris Gold and Silver Medals (2015), the Latin American Photography and Illustration Awards (2016 and 2017), the SRI SRI Award for Outstanding Women in the Art Field (2017), the CILSA Social Commitment Award (2017), the Clover Prize by Swarovski (2011), and the Fundación Huésped Award (2002). Her work has been exhibited at institutions and events including the Centro Cultural Kirchner, Moscow International Biennial of Contemporary Art, Museo Eduardo Sívori, MALBA, Art Basel Miami, and public installations throughout Buenos Aires. Her photographs and artistic productions have also been featured in leading international publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Latin America, Elle, and Marie Claire.