Mexican Cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa

[SolaresLarrave]

I learned about him not by watching the movies he photographed (which were abundant, in the 40s and 50s), but at an exhibit in the Mexican Art Museum in Chicago. According to what I read in the materials about him, included in an exhibit of Spanish American photographers at this museum, displayed for a short time in 2008 (perhaps), Gabriel Figueroa's work was remarkable as a cinematographer mostly because of his use of filters.

Today, a FB friend of mine posted a link to a site for this man, whose work is truly remarkable. Take a look and enjoy! BTW, the site is bilingual, so you can read it in English or Spanish (your choice).

http://www.gabrielfigueroa.net/

 

[Pablito]

I agree he was a wonderful cinematographer, but not because of his use of filters. He was a wonderful cinematographer because of his overall mastery of the medium, which included an understanding of what could be done with filters. Sorry to nitpick, but just using filters does not make you a great cinematographer! 😉

 

[Pablito]

I should add, THANKS for the link! Terrific info and description of the importance of his contributions under the "Biography" tab of the website.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I knew you would read this post! 🙂

Sorry, Pablito, I'm just quoting what I read in the exhibit. He and Manuel Alvarez Bravo were contemporaries and very likely knew each other.