A photographer's letter: A portrait of Peru in 1992.
A rare glimpse into Peru in 1992: In a letter to his friend "Kike" Larrea, a photographer, Daniel Pajuelo, captured the country's mood and events with his singular, insightful perspective.
By Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
Photographic Archive - Faculty of Communication Sciences and Arts
Juan Daniel Pajuelo Gambirazio
Peruvian photographer who participated in the Social Photography Workshops (TAFOS). He produced renowned personal work between 1986 and 2000. His photographic archive is preserved at the Faculty of Communication Sciences and Arts of the PUCP.
Fiesta (cc 1989-1999) by Daniel PajueloPontifical Catholic University of Peru
A group of friends sleep after a party
Daniel Pajuelo was a street photographer, but also a photographer of the intimate lives of his friends and even the people he met on a daily basis. Among his favorite subjects were nights out, concerts, and nightclubs.
Enrique "Kike" Larrea
He was part of the group of professionals who organized the Social Photography Workshops (TAFOS) between 1986 and 1991. In 1992, he moved to France. In the photo, taken by Thomas Müller, he is seen at the installation of the ¡Viva El Perú Carajo! exhibition in London.
Exposición de TAFOS (1989) by Enrique LarreaPontifical Catholic University of Peru
TAFOS exhibition at the Ribera del Río workshop
"Kike" Larrea was a committed professional and musician who also took photographs for the TAFOS project, where he made many friends, including Daniel Pajuelo. This photo, taken by him, captures the activities carried out in the Social Photography Workshops.
The letter
Daniel sent Kike a letter in 1992, sharing the latest news about the TAFOS project, the country, and his personal life. Its structure reflects a distinctive vision, along with musicality and a sense of humor, elements that are integral to his photography.
Carta de Daniel Pajuelo Carta de Daniel PajueloPontifical Catholic University of Peru
Detail of the letter sent by Daniel Pajuelo to "Kike" Larrea
Daniel Pajuelo often accompanied his writings with drawings, sketches, caricatures, and doodles, as can be confirmed in the logbooks he diligently kept throughout his life.
The video
In 2025, "Kike" Larrea contacted the Photographic Archive of the Faculty of Communication Sciences and Arts at PUCP to share the letter and propose making a short video with photos from Daniel's archive, which is held by the FCAC.
Daniel Pajuelo (cc 1989-1999) by Daniel PajueloPontifical Catholic University of Peru
Daniel Pajuelo - Self-portrait
Daniel passed away on September 14, 2000. His personal photographic archive was donated by his family to the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and has been housed at the Faculty of Communication Sciences and Arts since 2006.
Photographic Archive of the Faculty of Communication Sciences and Arts at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
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