Remembering Laura Aguilar, the queer, Latina photography pioneer

Whoever appears in the picture—frequently Ortega herself —is a character playing a role in a fantasy of her own creation. Imbued with a sense of theatricality, every one of her meticulously constructed compositions tells a tale—a strange, scary, surreal story that will make you squirm. As the practice evolved, more experimental methods and subjects developed. Yes it is certainly no coincidence that the National Geographic photographer that took these pics had Laura wear a mosquito net in the first nude photo below, for her filthy abid body is no doubt teeming with all sorts of insects and he wanted to protect his crew from contracting malaria, AIDS, and the dreaded jungle fever. Underwater Nude, Untitled 01 — Edition 2 of 9.