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Alternative Perspectives From South American Urban Photography


July 10, 2014 | Sophie Weiner

Urbes Mutantes,” a new exhibit at New York’s International Center of Photography, explores 70 years of South American photographic movements. The show reveals the strong personalities and diversity of South American locales, something that’s been overlooked by many Western-based histories of these places.

Double Wrestle III, Lourdes Grobet

“As the 20th century progressed, amidst struggles for social justice and in defense of democracy and freedom, the city became a setting for uprisings and revolutions,” Guest Curator Alexis Fabry told Dazed. “Images became as important as the stories covering the events that shaped these Latin American nations. In certain cases, politics and art were inseparable.”

Female prisoner with her daughter, Adriana Lestido

The exhibit focuses on the 1950’s through 1980’s, containing photos discovered everywhere from museums to flea markets. It is an attempt to capture the true character of these cities over the years. The artists, both well known and obscure, promote an alternative and true perspective on the themes poverty and struggle through images of “the geometry of the modern city, identity and personal expression, nightlife, poverty, political activism and street culture,” Dazed writes. “Urbes Mutantes: Latin American Photography 1944–2013,” May 16 – Sep 7, International Center of Photography, Manhattan (Images Courtesy ICP)