HOTEL ALEXANDER
PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Everlasting Elegance & Mirages: In Search of Mexico´s Essence
The inexhaustible reality of our country can be experienced in many ways through time; undoubtedly, we are saturated with visual poetry on every corner, whether inside or outside of ourselves. "Elegance and Enduring Mirages" weaves, through different photographic techniques, the visual language of seven Mexican photographers who immortalize their reality collectively spanning a period from 1987 to 2023: Erich Bouccan, Rene Baptista, Fernanda Segura, Mariana Yazbek, Sergio Yazbek, Dulce Pinzón, and Nifeer Boubana. It is interesting to note that the visual language of these multifaceted periods and artists achieves, together, a homogeneous visual narrative that smoothly transitions from one shot to another. The permanent exhibition at Hotel Alexander dynamically explores themes such as youth, beauty, expressions of vitality, both collective and individual memory, and sensuality accompanied by fantasy, with strong influences from editorial photography. Day-to-day life is intertwined with the global social phenomenon that does not exclude the fantasy of dreams and memories bestowed upon us by the human experience. The works in this exhibition partly belong to Mexican female photographers who focus on the female experience as a symbol of empowerment and authenticity. Through the use of composition, light, and the subtlety of form, the selected artists abstract themselves from the use of color and manage to portray fragments of reality that encompass all senses. They employ collage, scenography, digital, and analog photography to generate a polished aesthetic that goes beyond black and white photography. By including artists from different eras and with varied backgrounds, the creative expressions of men and women are connected, enhancing the empathic capacity of the audience. The models bringing the exhibition pieces to life exude elegance with their use of corporality, immortalizing themselves beyond generational barriers, encouraging the viewer to question the permanence of sophistication. As spectators, we can contribute to the artists' pieces and expand upon the initial inspiration that catalyzes the creative process by interpreting the photographs, whether abstractly or silently. Art, in general, allows us to access an endless universal conversation that helps us practice the ability to marvel at our own present experiences and find the sensuality in the details of everyday life.
“R”, 2022
Woman full of emptiness. -René Baptista
“SZ2”, 2021
Currently unavailable. -René Baptista
“SCULPTURE WOMAN”, 2023
The photograph is presented as a powerful artistic manifesto, where the figure of a woman, naked and covered only by a delicate white veil, emerges as a contemporary tribute to Roman marble sculptures. The image focuses on a fraction of the torso, skillfully illuminated to highlight the soft lines and shadows that shape the female form. The clear inspiration from ancient Roman sculptures is manifested in the subtle fall of the fabric, evoking the same sense of movement as the garments depicted in marble statues. This deliberate gesture seeks to underscore the connection with history while challenging the traditional perception of women as passive objects of artistic representation. By concealing the model's facial identity, the image generalizes the female experience, seeking to convey a clear message: the value of women is not determined by the amount of skin shown or hidden. The nudity here is a symbol of empowerment and authenticity. -Fernanda Segura
“CUAUHPILLI”, 2016
Faces of the Heroic Military College, Mexico City. -Erick Bouccan
“MIDSOLE”, 2023
The photograph captures the timeless and sophisticated essence of the "La Richesse" collection from a renowned Mexican shoe brand. In the center of the image, the model presents herself with elegance, wearing an impeccable black outfit consisting of a coat, high-heeled shoes, and sheer black stockings. The choice of this last characteristic highlights the originality of the design. The image conveys a sense of mystery by showing the model covering the camera with her hands, creating an intriguing connection between her and the viewer. The campaign was inspired by the elegance of the 90s, adding a classic and timeless touch to the composition. Conceived in 2023, the campaign seeks to transcend generational barriers by presenting a vision of wealth that goes beyond the material, highlighting the authentic inner richness we accumulate throughout our lives. This artistic approach reflects the idea that true elegance does not need to be constantly reinvented but endures over time. -Fernanda Segura
“MYSELF”, 2023
Poetic encounters.
Everyday luxury situations that emphasize the duality of being and having as a reflection of the society, so sensitive yet so materialistic, in which we find ourselves. The highly versatile technique creates a mysterious aesthetic that loses you in time and space, where the detail always resides in the object, the sharp focus on the material. -Niffer Boubana
“LOVE ME”, 2001
Understood. -Mariana Yakbek
“U”, 2022
Mujer fragmentada. -René Baptista
“YESSICA STUDIO”, 2022
Understood. -Sergio Yazbek
“LU”, 2015
Understood. - Erick Bouccan
“VEGAS”, 2011
Understood. -Erick Bouccan
“VOGUE SWEATERS”, 1987
Understood. -Sergio Yazbek
“ROADTRIP”, 2017
The Wonderful life of Andy is a series of documentary - fictional photographs concerning the life of the beautiful Andy, a young contemporary woman who passionately lives the spirit and aesthetic of the ‘50s. Andy’s peculiar lifestyle has turned into an inspirational example for a generation of Mexican youth a life that, next to her son, Maximiliano, and Vincent, her ex-husband (lead singer of Rebel Cats), is closely observed. The Marvelous Life of Andy is a fictitious series based on the reality of a couple whose musical involvement in the Mexican scene has begun solidifying aesthetic guidelines. I find it deeply engaging and thus important to document. -Dulce Pinzón
“INTERLACED”, 2022
The exhibited photograph presents the juxtaposition of the legs of three women, woven into a visual harmony totaling six legs. The focus is on the connection of these legs, all with identical heels but differentiated by shades that, although not perceptible in black and white, add a subtle visual variation. The geometry of the photo alludes to the harmony between the shoe design, the crossed legs, and the interconnection of shared stories among women. The absence of colors highlights the shapes and textures, focusing on elegance and simplicity. This photograph was conceived as part of a footwear campaign for a prestigious Mexican brand in 2022. The artist, committed to capturing the feminine essence without manipulation, emphasizes the authenticity of unedited bodies. Her approach focuses on documenting the diversity of shapes and sizes, showing the reality of each individual without hiding or altering anything. -Fernanda Segura