Photographer and relentless traveler – Nicolás Preci’s work is not simply the result of his photographs, paintings, or the places he explores.
He was born in Buenos Aires in 1983 and honed his skills in photojournalism under the tutelage of the master, Hernán Canuti. While he professes a profound interest in the cultures of Central Asia, the Middle East, and the indigenous peoples of the Andes in South America, these are but fragments of a biography that struggles to capture the essence of Nicolás Preci. He transcends the boundaries of time and form, a unique link in the long chain of humanity, here to teach us the art of seeing – to look deeply into the eyes of our fellow beings.
In 2018, Nicolás took on the roles of photography instructor at the Archaeological Museum of Cachi in the northern Argentine province of Salta and contributor to an educational project at a rural school. Two long-term projects emerged during this period: a photographic exploration of rituals in the Calchaqui Valley and “Cacheños,” a collection of black-and-white portraits of Cachi’s residents.
The following year, Nicolás delved into a new theme in Buenos Aires: “Paco: After the Darkness,” an eye-opening project that sheds light on the struggles of drug users and their daily pursuit of a better life.
In 2020, Preci focused on the impact of the COVID-19 quarantine on the informal economy in Salta’s disadvantaged neighborhoods. He continued to share his photography expertise through in-person and virtual workshops.
After the quarantine, in April 2021, he presented “La Señalada” in Salta City and at the Cultural House of Cachi, a photographic exhibition that also featured in a virtual program organized by the Argentine Embassy in the United Kingdom.
Concurrently, Nicolás remained dedicated to his work on Andean rituals in the Calchaqui Valley. Towards the end of the year, he ventured to the borders of Bolivia and Paraguay, engaging with indigenous groups such as Wichí and Chorote.
In 2022, he divided his focus between the high valleys and urban landscapes, shaping the project “Arabs: Memories of the Middle East in Northern Argentina.” During the year, his work received recognition twice – “Andean Rituals” was honored with the “Citizen Fund of the Province of Salta,” and a photo from “Territorio Wichi” was selected for the annual exhibition by the “National Endowment for the Arts.”
As the year drew to a close, Nicolás, alongside esteemed photographers Juan Martín Roldán and Javier Corbalán, initiated the inaugural edition of “Mirada Calchaquí” in Cachi. This intensive three-day workshop offered photography enthusiasts of all levels a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, local customs, and photography.
In late March 2023, another edition of the workshop took place at the Siilu Wasi glamping site in Payogastilla, situated near Angastaco and the natural wonder of Quebrada de las Flechas.
In September, Nicolás received a special invitation to showcase his work and share his insights at the Cafayate Foto Fest. This prestigious event, curated by photographers Ossian Lindholm and Sebastián del Val, provided a space for sharing his ten years of experience with the event attendees.
Meanwhile, Nicolás has ambitious plans for the future, including projects focused on India’s ethnic and cultural diversity, the Kurds, and Afghanistan.