Las Mexicanas is a paperback volume that presents a fascinating selection of studio and vernacular photographs of Mexican women from the mid-19th century to the 1960s. Through the careful editing of photographer Pablo Ortiz Monasterio, the sequence of images coalesces into a narrative about women’s empowerment. As photographic technology advances in the book – moving from daguerreotypes to color film – so do the rights of the women photographed, they become increasingly mobile, expressive and exposed. Yet, whatever era they belong to, all the women appear intensely alive, emboldened by their position in front of the camera.
Las Mexicanas highlights the intimate and powerful relationship between the photographic medium, women and those lucky enough to have a camera in their hands. Most of the images in this publication come from a private collection, accumulated over a decade of visits to Mexico City flea markets, with the help of connoisseurs and the support of booksellers and dealers. This particularity gives the volume a unique value, attracting an audience interested not only in old photography and collectibles, but also in social sciences, feminism and cultural representations. An essay by author, sociologist and economist Brenda Navarro, author of the award-winning novels Empty Houses and Ashes in the Mouth, contextualizes these captivating images. A work that transcends time and space, Las Mexicanas celebrates the strength and diversity of Mexican women across generations and is an essential for those seeking to appreciate the rich history and culture of Mexico.
Las Mexicanas
Edited by Pablo Ortiz Monasterio, Ramón Reverté.
Preface by Brenda Navarro.
Art book | DAP
Paperback, 5.25 x 7.5 inches.
128 pages / 15 colors.
ISBN 9788419233363
US$25.00 CAN$37.50
www.artbook.com
