Avery Ellfeldt

In Andean indigenous culture, el churo, (a spiral-like sign) symbolizes the rejection of socially constructed binaries and the peoples' call for autonomous, community-based communication. Man versus nature, woman versus man and past versus future are among the many contemporary opposites this symbol negates, opting instead for a life of continuity, connectivity and thoughtfulness. As an extension of this ideology, el churo signifies the indigenous call for social and political organization via access to information, and the means to create truly dynamic media content. This particular approach to communication frequently takes the form of solutions journalism in communities that have been historically denied representation in city, nation and world-wide narratives. 

 

These photographs were taken in Quito, Ecuador, during my time spent with El Churo Comunicación and Wambra Radio. Photographing protests, marches, communication workshops and more revealed how journalism can – and does – transform political realities in urban spaces.