Unseen Photographs from Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries Showcased in Guanajuato Exhibition

The Museo de Arte e Historia de Guanajuato in Guanajuato, Mexico is currently hosting the exhibition "Mirar al otro. Álbumes de México" (Looking at the Other. Albums of Mexico), curated by Mauricio Maillé. The exhibition features six albums of previously unseen photographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, belonging to the Ricardo B. Salinas Pliego Collection.

The photographs on display showcase a diverse range of subjects, including popular types and occupations in Mexico City, scientific expeditions in the Sierra Tarahumara, views of Mexico City, and indigenous communities in Jalisco. The exhibition also includes a portfolio of photographs by Paul Strand, who was invited to work in Mexico after the creation of the Secretariat of Public Education.

Accompanying the photographs are texts written by artists, intellectuals, and writers from the Seminario de Cultura Mexicana, providing additional context and insights into the images and the time period they represent.

Why this matters: The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Mexico's past through previously unseen photographs, shedding light on the country's diverse cultures, landscapes, and communities during a pivotal period in its history. By showcasing these images to the public, the exhibition contributes to the preservation and appreciation of Mexico's rich photographic heritage.

The exhibition is open to the public from Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 to 17:00, and on Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 to 18:00. Admission ranges from 20 to 40 pesos, with free entry on Sundays. In addition to the photographic exhibition, visitors can also experience a virtual reality installation in the museum's lobby, "Pabellón del Encuentro," which recreates the fall of the great Tenochtitlán. This immersive experience will be available until April 21st.

Curator Mauricio Maillé expressed his enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating, "These photographs offer a unique perspective on Mexico's history and the diverse communities that have shaped its identity. We are thrilled to share these previously unseen images with the public and invite them to explore the rich tapestry of Mexico's past."

Key Takeaways

• Museo de Arte e Historia de Guanajuato hosts "Mirar al otro" exhibition.
• Exhibition features 6 albums of previously unseen 19th-20th century photos.
• Photos showcase diverse subjects, including Mexico City, expeditions, and indigenous communities.
• Exhibition contributes to preserving Mexico's rich photographic heritage.
• Visitors can also experience a virtual reality installation on the fall of Tenochtitlán.