What’s up everyone,and welcome back to Sombra Y Cultura — the podcast where we uncover the stories behind the lens, exploring the photographers who shaped our culture and history through powerful images. I’m your host Chris, and today, I’m excited to take you on a journey across continents and decades to meet a truly remarkable artist: Kati Horna.

Picture this: It’s the early 20th century, Europe is on the brink of chaos. A young Jewish woman from Budapest picks up her camera and begins to tell stories — stories of people, of resilience, of everyday life amid extraordinary times. That woman would go on to leave an indelible mark on Mexican photography and the world.

So, who was Kati Horna? What made her work so special? And how did a Hungarian refugee become a pioneering figure in Latin American photography? Let’s dive in.

Kati Horna was born in 1912 in Budapest, Hungary, into a Jewish family during a time of rising political tension and growing danger for Jews across Europe. As the shadows of fascism lengthened in the 1930s and 40s, Kati, like many others, was forced to leave her homeland to seek safety.

Her journey took her to Spain during the Spanish Civil War, where she captured haunting images of civilians and refugees,documenting the raw human impact of war. But the turmoil did not end there. Eventually, Kati made her way across the Atlantic to Mexico in the 1940s — a country that would become her home and canvas for much of her life's work.

What sets Kati Horna apart is her ability to find poetry in the everyday — to see the beauty and dignity in ordinary people’s lives, especially those marginalized by society. Through her lens, children playing in the streets, women in quiet moments, and indigenous communities became the subjects of intimate, empathetic portraits.

Kati blended European avant-garde influences, including surrealism and social realism, with the vibrant culture of Mexico, creating images that are both timeless and deeply grounded in place.

Beyond her photos, she was a mentor and inspiration to many Mexican photographers, helping to nurture the country's post-war cultural renaissance. Her work challenged the norms, particularly for women photographers, at a time when the field was dominated by men.

One of Kati Horna’s most celebrated series captures Mexico City’s street life in the mid-20th century. These black-and-white photographs offer a window into the rhythms of urban life — children laughing, market scenes bustling, and moments of solitude amidst the city's chaos.

Her portraits of refugee women and children are equally powerful, conveying strength and vulnerability without ever crossing into pity. Each photo tells a story — often untold, often overlooked — that invites us to pause and reflect. (Click here to view some of Kati's work.)

Kati Horna’s legacy lives on in the way she humanized her subjects and elevated documentary photography into art. She expanded the role of women in photography and influenced generations of artists in Mexico and beyond.

Her work reminds us that photography is not just about capturing images but about bearing witness — to history, to culture, and to the shared human experience.

If you’re enjoying Sombra Y Cultura and want to support the celebration of these incredible artists, consider donating by clicking here and help keep these stories alive. Every little bit helps fuel this journey through art and history.

As I reflect on Kati Horna’s life and work, I’m struck by the courage and compassion that flow through her images. She teaches us the power of seeing — truly seeing — those around us, especially when they are most vulnerable.

In a world that often rushes past, Kati’s photographs invite us to slow down and connect, reminding us that everyone has a story worth telling.

Thank you so much for joining me on this episode of Sombra Y Cultura. If you enjoyed this story, please take a moment to like, subscribe, and leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — it really helps others find the show and keeps this project growing.

I’m Chris, and until next time, keep looking through the lens with curiosity and heart.

‍