Winningham, Geoff. In the Eye of the Sun: Mexican Fiestas. Photographs by Geoff Winningham.

W.W. Norton, 1997.  Introduction by Richard Rodriguez. Essay by J.M.G. Le Clezio. First edition, first printing, in wraps, small crimp on cover with slight wear at corners. Very good. Summary: 

Published in 1996 by W.W. Norton & Company, In the Eye of the Sun is a vibrant and immersive photographic study of the traditional festivals of Mexico. Over a period of seven years, Geoff Winningham traveled throughout the country—particularly in the states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Michoacán—to document the complex intersection of pagan roots and Catholic ritual.

The Visual Language of the Fiesta

Winningham moves beyond the typical "travelogue" style to capture the raw, sensory overload of Mexican celebrations.

• Mastery of Light and Motion: The photographs are noted for their dynamic use of natural light and the blurred motion of dancers and fireworks. Winningham often captures the "decisive moment" within a chaotic crowd, rendering the frenzy with technical clarity.

• The "Castillo": A recurring motif in the book is the elaborate firework towers (castillos). His images of these exploding structures serve as metaphors for the ephemeral, explosive nature of the fiesta itself.

• Masks and Transformation: The book heavily features the intricate masks and costumes of traditional dancers, exploring how ordinary villagers transform into demons, conquistadors, or animals to play out historical and spiritual dramas.

Cultural and Philosophical Themes

• The Sacred and the Profane: Winningham explores how the fiesta serves as a release valve for the community. The imagery balances the solemnity of religious processions with the ecstatic, sometimes violent energy of the street celebration.

• Indigenous Persistence: The book documents how pre-Hispanic traditions have survived by "masking" themselves within Christian holidays, creating a unique syncretism that is central to Mexican identity.

• Community and Ritual: Rather than focusing on isolated "artistic" portraits, the photographs emphasize the collective experience. The viewer is placed in the center of the dust, the smoke, and the press of the crowd.

Production and Narrative

The book is structured around the seasonal cycle of the Mexican year, moving from the Day of the Dead through Holy Week.

• Personal Narrative: The images are accompanied by Winningham’s own prose, which recounts his experiences of being "lost" in the rituals and his growing understanding of the Mexican psyche.

• Bilingual Inclusion: Many editions include bilingual text or references, respecting the cultural origins of the subject matter.

Significance: In the Eye of the Sun is celebrated not just as a documentary of "exotic" customs, but as a sophisticated exploration of how human beings use ritual to confront the sun, the spirit, and the cycle of life and death.