Documentary Photography from Mexico at the Tucson Museum of Art

TUCSON, AZ - This summer experience the work of a generation of artists, at the Tucson Museum of Art,  who have contributed to the renewal of Mexican documentary photography in the last thirty years. Mexican Photographers Today: Facing a World in Transition, Selected Works from the Margolis Foundation is the first comprehensive exhibition on the subject held in the United States, and shows the singularity and excellence that has earned critical acclaim at home and abroad for these photographers. It will be on view at the Tucson Museum of Art through September 28, 2008.

The most encompassing subject of the photographs presented is life itself: human existence within an historical period of radical cultural, social-economic and political transformations. The arenas in which these transitions take place are as diverse as the mega Mexico City; provincial towns, and tiny rural communities. These complex realities are addressed by distinctive, personal points of view and photographic styles. The resulting images are at times provoking and disturbing, poetically evocative and strikingly beautiful—but always strongly engaging.

The exhibition highlights roughly 150 works created by twenty-six photographers including Alicia Ahumada, Mario Antonio Cruz, Rafael Doniz, Flor Garduño, Maya Goded, Graciela Iturbide, Francisco Mata Rosas, Pedro Meyer, Pablo Ortiz Monasterio, Rodrigo Moya, Antonio Turok, Mariana Yampolski, and many more. The images are often part of visual essays on a particular theme or subject. This format reflects a creative strategy of creating photographs that interrelate one to another, thus providing deeper insights on the subject matter. These works reflect long periods – sometimes years – of focused dedication often at the photographer’s own expense and even physical risk.

 The photographs presented in Mexican Photographers Today: Facing a World in Transition have been drawn from the extensive collection of the Margolis Foundation, which is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and promotion of contemporary Mexican photography. An illustrated catalogue will accompany the exhibition containing an introduction by Fatima Bercht, Curator of Latin American Art at the Tucson Museum of Art, and an interpretative essay by Elizabeth Ferrer, respected scholar of the history of philosophy in Mexico.

The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block encompasses an entire city block in historic downtown, and features original and traveling exhibitions focusing on Art of the Americas, Art of the American West, and Modern and Contemporary Art as well as tours, education programs, Art School, and Museum Shop to delight and educate visitors. The Tucson Museum of Art serves the city and surrounding regions and is committed to broadening public access to the arts, enriching daily life.

Visit Tucson Museum of Art at : www.tucsonmuseumofart.org