Exhibit Focuses on the History of Racism in Mexico Peter Appleby - The News
go to original August 22, 2016

Judging by the queue to enter the Museo de la Ciudad de Mexico’s current exhibition, “Imágenes para ver-te: Una exhibición de racismo en México” (Images to See Yourself: The History of Racism in Mexico), the consequences of colonialism and its enduring history is still a topic of considerable interest in the capital city. But this very self-reflexive exhibit doesn’t only focus on the far-off past.

An introductory text, to be read while waiting to enter the first room, is clear in its message. Listing words frequently heard in Mexico like “naco” and “chaca,” we are reminded of their roots, highlighting the fact that racially-driven discriminations are not consigned to history but are still very much alive in Mexico today.

Objects, paintings, documents and photographs are shown in a loosely chronological order, split between rooms that mirror the topic, such as “The Body”, “The Skin”, and “The Face.” On show in the early rooms are drawings of various implements used in the control of slaves, vices to ratchet open the mouth for forced feeding and shackles that bound feet together in the bottom of ships. Older items are punctuated by more modern examples, like the signs stating “whites only” that guide the viewer around the exhibition, or a sepia-toned photograph of a girl, looking straight into the camera, a tape measure around her head.

While at first glance the photo appears to be an example of the eugenics practiced during colonialism, it is actually the work of Guatemalan photographer, Luis González Palma, and dates from 1998.

César Carrillo Trueba, the curator and an anthropology lecturer at Sciences Sociales in Paris, explained the purpose of his exhibit in a conversation with Aristegui Noticias; “This is to show how racist imagery was formed, the actions that led up to their formation, and its persistence over time to the point that it is integrated into the national culture, like the films of the Golden Age.”

The exhibition runs until Sept. 25 and is well worth a visit.

Read the rest at The News

Related: The Original Art of Imitation Showcased at Museo Del Chopo (The News)

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