Review: Paz Errázuriz – Dare to Look
- Art & Culture
- 2 min read
Bringing together 170 works from Fundación MAPFRE’s collections, this powerful exhibition spans Errázuriz’s career from the 1970s to the present day, showcasing a compelling mix of black-and-white and colour photography. Throughout, Errázuriz’s images focus on those living on the margins of society — people whose stories often go untold or unseen. Her portraits give a voice and dignity to those frequently overlooked: sex workers, circus performers, the elderly, the homeless, and members of the trans community.
What makes Dare to Look so striking is the way Errázuriz captures not just a person’s image but their humanity, resilience, and complexity. Every photograph feels like the start of a deeper conversation, inviting us as viewers to reconsider our own assumptions. These aren’t simply portraits; they’re stories — moments captured in time that challenge perceptions of beauty, identity, and worth.
Errázuriz’s impact as a photographer cannot be overstated. Working under the shadow of Chile’s oppressive Pinochet regime, her work was often an act of quiet defiance. Through her lens, she created space for visibility where there was silence and censorship, focusing on subjects who embodied forms of resistance simply by existing. Over the decades, she has become a pioneering voice in Latin American photography, celebrated for her commitment to social commentary and unwavering empathy.
We thoroughly enjoyed this exhibition — not just for the artistry of the photographs, but for the depth, honesty, and tenderness found in each frame. Dare to Look is a fitting title; Errázuriz asks us to look beyond surface appearances and engage with the lives of others with curiosity, respect, and compassion.
For anyone interested in photography, social history, or simply the stories of people who refuse to be invisible, this is an unmissable exhibition.
The exhibition Paz Errázuriz: Dare to Look runs at MK Gallery (900 Midsummer Boulevard, MK9 3QA)from 19 July to 5 October 2025.
Prices:
Adult (With Gift Aid): £15.95
Adult (Without Gift Aid): £14.50
Concession (Students and Universal Credit): £10.25
Art Fund Pass: £7.25
Accompanying Carer: Free
Under 21: Free
Resident ticket offers: Milton Keynes residents can enjoy just £1 entry on Tuesdays (standard adult tickets are up to £15.95) Destination Milton Keynes. And if you're a gallery member (£60/year), entry to this and other exhibitions is free.
Guided Exhibition Tours
Join their insightful tour guides for a deep-dive into the exhibition.
Conversational Tours: [Starting August] Tuesdays, 11am and first Sunday of the month, 11am
General Tours: [Starting August] Tuesdays and Saturdays, 2pm.
Please note: No backpacks or bags larger than A3 are permitted in the gallery space.
Additionally, flash photography, professional cameras, tripods or selfie sticks are not allowed.
Accessibility
MK Gallery is very accessible. For more information click the link below.
🔗Accessibility Information
For AccessAble guides for Milton Keynes City Centre visit the below link.
