In Mennonites (Spanish: Menonitas) Jorge Mónaco documents the traditions and way of life of Mennonite communities in Argentina. Beginning in 2002, this project developed over nearly a decade as he expanded his engagement with documentary work, deepening his focus on their cultural identity and daily experiences.
The Mennonites, an Anabaptist denomination that migrated from Europe and North America in the early 20th century, established self-sufficient colonies in rural Argentina, maintaining a way of life separate from mainstream society and modern technology. While interaction with outsiders is limited, Mónaco was able to build relationships within the community over time. He lived among them in Santiago del Estero, shared meals, and observed daily routines, allowing him to document aspects of Mennonite life that are not often publicly seen. His work includes family rituals, school environments, and communal gatherings, offering a visual record of their traditions and social structures. Through this immersive approach, the project examines cultural continuity, identity, and daily practices within the community.
Working in black-and-white, Mónaco utilizes three distinct film formats to refine his documentary and observational approach. He employs 35mm (2:3) for dynamic, candid moments, square format (1:1) for structured, deliberate framing, and panoramic (2:5) with a Noblex camera to stretch the horizon and vast openness of the Argentine Pampas. Natural light enhances textures and shadows, deepening the sensory experience of rural life.
After years of fieldwork, Mennonites first circulated with a solo at Sala La Polaroid, Cádiz (2020), followed by finalist showings at the Indian Photo Festival, State Art Gallery, Hyderabad (2020, 2021). It received a "Highly Commended" in the BarTur Photo Award (Unity & Diversity, 2022), and in 2023 was selected for PhEST (Monopoli, "Being Human") and included in the BarTur Award exhibition at Instytut Fotografii Fort, Warsaw.