In order to unite 31,000 photographs with the message of peace; Diego thought of a dove. We first considered have at least 8 live doves with us, but the fear of people to hold them and the difficulty to transport them as well as feeding them, was not something we wanted to get into. So, between live and even dissected doves, we came up with the option of paper.

“La Huasteca” was born in January 2011. Diego built “La Huasteca” with kraft paper which covered the photographs of “Fenix: 100 years of Firefighter’s in Nuevo Leon”. The first test shots were done. Later, the dove grew and in order to keep it safe and for it to last 31,000 portraits; blue painters tape covered it. Diego commonly uses the tape that covers “La Huasteca” in his commercial work to cover cables and prevent accidents.

New test shots were made with the blue and bigger paper dove and now it has been in the hands of 31,000 people since February.

Besides “La Huasteca”, there are three other doves travelling around the world in order to represent other people’s wishes for peace in Mexico. The action of making other doves and sending them to specific countries began as a consequence of communities that wanted to get involved with “Portraits for Peace” and didn’t reside in Mexico. This was another way to contribute with the project and it has been very successful across other countries.

“Maria Bonita” is now in England in the hands of recognized photographer Drew Gardner.

“La Zapoteca” flew from Austin, Texas to the hands of Moritz Bernoully in The Netherlands, England and Poland. It was later sent to Lucho Rengifo and Firelli Ortiz in Spain to continue its journey to France with Eloy Ricardez Luna.

“La Choquita” flew to France and Lisbon with Sandra Dahdah and continues its journey with Ricardo Quintas in Argentina.