10/15/2025
THIS FRIDAY @ LOUPE
Veneración is a small body of work that pays tribute to just a small slice of the vast culture and people behind mezcal — a deeply profound, complex, and beautiful spirit. For those who discover and fall in love with it, mezcal reveals itself as endlessly fascinating in its diversity of flavors, and character. To learn about its production is to be humbled by the dedication and immense physical effort required to work the land — to farm agave on a timescale measured not in years, but often in decades. Mezcal is not only a drink; it is a culture — one built on respect, love, and sharing.
Veneración also honors my collaboration and friendship with Las Chingonas Imports and its founder, Julia Cuthbertson. Since its founding in 2020, our journeys have taken us across Guerrero, Durango, Nuevo León, Michoacán, Puebla, and, of course, Oaxaca. Almost all the photography presented here reflect the producers represented by Las ChingonasImports which celebrates the mezcaleros and mezcaleras who craft extraordinary spirits with integrity, respect for the land and history, and a deep commitment to their families and communities.
Being welcomed into the homes of these true artisans — who work tirelessly to honor their ancestors, traditions, and the earth with every drop they produce — has been an immense privilege.
Evan Sung is a New York–based photographer whose work spans food, travel, and portraiture. Known for his ability to capture authenticity, atmosphere, and the human stories behind his subjects, Evan’s images have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Esquire, Bon Appétit, and over 60 cookbooks with chefs and authors around the world. His work often explores the intersection of culture, craft, and tradition—most recently through Veneración, a photographic project celebrating the people and spirit of mezcal in Mexico.