Bella Muerte is a series that celebrates the beauty of life and death. Whereas Dia de los Muertos is associated mostly with compelling altars, photos of loved one’s and calaveras, this ofrenda shows life through the lens and the human body.



These images illustrate form, emotion and characters—from vulnerable and shy, to commanding, sophisticated and seductive. The photos explore this transformation through textures, colors, form and details of each model.



The Bella Muerte series began in 1996 and back then I did the body paint. Since then, I have collaborated with Artist, Chris Equihua. During each photography session, we witnessed each model’s transformation, all poetic in their own way; from exposed to empowered, as they became each persona.



This is la bella muerte…







Pablo Aguilar

Photographer