'I don’t like things that are "pretty"', says Carlos Sanchez. This might explain the persistent dark thread that runs through the images he creates with his younger brother Jason. They claim to ‘explore the psychological landscape of contemporary society’ in their photographs and, like their hero Jeff Wall, they do this by creating complex, layered images that are ‘documentary in appearance, yet carefully staged’. In their treatment of social and religious rituals, childhood fears and self-obsession, provoking thought and debate is their main objective. Hence they give us baptisms of blood, iconoclastic party games and one rather suspect encounter between a pupil and her Principal.
FIRST POSTED SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
All images by the Sanchez Brothers, courtesy Torch Gallery, Amsterdam and Nicholas Metivier Gallery, Toronto. Above: ‘Easter Party’, Carlos & Jason Sanchez, 2003




