Joel-Peter Witkin (b. 1939) is known for his distinctive macabre aesthetic. 

Many of his most sought-after images were completed in Mexico where he was able to get access to cadavers used to create his haunting photographs.  

In addition to using the body, Witkin has also worked with dwarves, transexuals and individuals living on the margins of society. 

His work is clearly influenced by Italian Renaissance paintings, early Daguerreotypes and carnival photography. His darkroom process is intentionally disruptive and experimental; Witkin will interfere with the chemicals while printing, scratching negatives and tamper with the toner.

Witkin has been influential on a wide variety of artists from Alexander McQueen to Andreas Serrano. 

"Bird of Quevada" is a haunting paradigm of Witkin's oeuvre. The edition has been sold out for many years.