Pepe Soho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pepe Soho
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Soho in 2016
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José Askenazi Cohen
20 October 1971 Mexico City, Mexico
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| Died | 10 October 2025 (aged 53) Mexico City, Mexico
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| Known for | Photography |
Pepe Soho, whose real name was José Askenazi Cohen, was a famous Mexican photographer. He was born on October 20, 1971, and passed away on October 10, 2025. He was especially known for his amazing landscape and nature photos.
Before becoming a full-time photographer, Pepe Soho had many different jobs. He worked as a designer, a musician, and a businessman. When he was about 40 years old, he decided to focus completely on photography.
In 2017, he won a big award: first place in the World Photographic Cup. He won in the Nature (Landscape and Wildlife) category for his beautiful picture called "Believe." Forbes magazine also recognized him as one of Mexico's most creative people that year. Many people consider him one of the most important photographers in Mexico today.
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The Life and Art of Pepe Soho
Pepe Soho, born José Askenazi Cohen, was a talented Mexican photographer. He was famous for capturing the beauty of nature and landscapes. He lived from October 20, 1971, to October 10, 2025.
Before he became a photographer, Pepe Soho explored many different creative paths. He was a designer, a musician, and a businessman. It wasn't until he was around 40 years old that he decided to dedicate all his time to photography.
In 2017, Pepe Soho achieved a major success. He won first place in the World Photographic Cup for his stunning image "Believe." This award was in the Nature (Landscape and Wildlife) category. Forbes magazine also recognized him as one of Mexico's most creative people in 2017. He is widely seen as one of Mexico's most important modern photographers.
Early Life and Music Journey
Pepe Soho was born in Mexico City on October 20, 1971. His father, Eduardo Askenazi, worked in the textile business. His mother, Paz Cohen, was a sculptor and painter. From a young age, Pepe showed a strong interest in art, photography, and music. He started learning to play the drums when he was 12.
By the late 1980s, before he turned 20, Pepe was already playing drums in a popular nightclub in Mexico City called Sugar. He performed alongside well-known Mexican rock bands and singers, like Sabo Romo and Leonardo de Lozanne. He also toured with the famous band Magneto on their "Tremendo" tour.
In 1990, he moved to Los Angeles, California. There, he continued his studies in percussion at The Musicians Institute. He joined a rock group called Ash Gallery with another Mexican musician, Atto Attie. They played together for almost three years in famous places like the Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy. At the same time, he also played with the band at the Bull Dog Café bar in Mexico for two years. During this time, he worked with artists such as Álex Lora, Alejandra Guzmán, and Erik Rubín.
From Fashion to Nightlife
In 1993, Pepe Soho opened a store in Mexico City. It started by selling used records and a few unique clothes. Soon, he began designing and selling his own clothing, especially T-shirts with rock band designs. A year later, he opened his first clothing store, which he named SOHO. This name became how most people knew him.
By the year 2000, the SOHO brand had grown a lot. It had twenty stores across Mexico City and other states. SOHO fashion shows were very popular. They featured Mexican TV stars like Sebastián Rulli, Cynthia Klitbo, Galilea Montijo, and Leonardo García. These shows were held in big venues and attracted huge crowds.
In 2007, Pepe Soho also designed and opened a popular nightclub in Polanco, a neighborhood in Mexico City. It was called "LOVE."
Discovering Photography
Pepe Soho often said that a serious accident changed his life. It made him remember his childhood love for photography and appreciate nature even more. In 2011, he went to India for a meditation retreat. Early in his trip, he had a bad fall from a horse, which broke both his knees.
This accident meant he had to return to Mexico in a wheelchair. Pepe went through many surgeries and a long time of healing. During his recovery, he faced many challenges. To help himself feel better, he started taking photos during short walks in the Bosque de Chapultepec park. This hobby became a way to distract himself and find joy.
Nine months later, he enrolled in a photography school in Mexico City. He then studied at the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York City. After finishing his studies, he went on many photography trips. He visited over 50 countries around the world, starting with Antarctica. More recently, he focused on capturing the beautiful landscapes of his home country, Mexico.
In 2014, Pepe Soho opened a gallery in Polanco, Mexico City, to show his photographs. Within a few years, he opened another gallery in Mexico City. He also opened three more galleries in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, and in Playa del Carmen and Tulúm, Quintana Roo.
Working for Nature and Art
In 2018, Pepe Soho became a special artist and ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). He supported their "Pequeñas Navegantes" contest. This contest helps protect the olive ridley turtle, which is the smallest type of sea turtle.
Pepe Soho also worked on other projects. He was part of NBC's campaign for the Samsung Galaxy S8. He also participated in the FotoMéxico 2017 International Photography Festival, organized by the Centro de la Imagen.
In 2017, he was a judge for the "Reto Foto México" photography contest. This contest was organized by México Desconocido magazine and Canon. He also helped with tourism campaigns for Mexico, like "Yo soy mexicano," when asked by the National Tourism Department.
Pepe Soho's Legacy and Awards
Pepe Soho passed away from a heart attack in Mexico City on October 10, 2025, at the age of 53.
He received many honors for his work. In 2018, Forbes Mexico listed him as one of Mexico's most creative people. This award recognizes individuals who have a big impact. That same year, "One Hundred Artists You Can't Miss of Mexico" and the National Tourism Guide named him one of the country's best artists. They praised his skill and the global attention he brought to Mexican art.
Winning the World Photographic Cup
In 2017, Pepe Soho's photograph "Believe" won first place at the World Photographic Cup. This picture was taken in Chile. He won in the Nature (Landscape and Wildlife) category, competing against photographers from 26 countries.
When he accepted his award, Pepe Soho shared his feelings. He said, "Photography gave me back my confidence and my life. After feeling lost in sadness, taking pictures through my camera lens was my only motivation. I found a way to show my love for life and my admiration for nature through this art. I am very proud to receive this award, and even more proud to represent my country and show the world how wonderful Mexico is through my work."
Other Recognitions
In 2016, the Mexican Photographic Committee invited Pepe Soho to join the Photographic World Cup. This event took place in Portugal that year. His photograph "Zen," taken in Mozambique, earned fourth place in the Nature (Landscape and Wildlife) category.
Exhibitions of His Work
Pepe Soho's photographs were shown in several exhibitions:
- 2018: Vida (Life) at the Galería Abierta de las Rejas de Chapultepec, Mexico City.
- 2017: Believe at the José Luis Cuevas Museum, Mexico City.
See also
In Spanish: Pepe Soho para niños
