A photographic dialogue on Mexico–Malaysia parallels
In the recent Mexico: Present Glazes, Past Spaces photography exhibition in Kuala Lumppur, organised by the Embassy of Mexico in Malaysia, guests were invited to explore Mexico's pre-Hispanic architecture through the lens of Juan Albert Estevan.
An architect by profession but a photographer as a passion, Estevan, 64, provided a contemporary perspective into Mexico's rich architectural heritage, highlighting the clash of cultural values between those who came to the land for conquest and the civilisations and cultures that had already existed there for many generations.
While these new colonial spaces have their roots in the European Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, they were transformed by the materials, light, and colours of the New World's geography. The result is awe-inspiring architecture marked by strong spatial syncretism, with interior spaces expressed through plazas, patios, and chapels that open into expansive atriums.
'As long as we continue talking to each other and working together, we will find new connections and bring about new ideas,' says Estevan. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
Estevan's photographs, taken during his travels across Mexico, shine a spotlight on ancient Mesoamerican sites, such as the Zapotec metropolis of Monte Alban in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, the Maya ruins of Uxmal in the Yucatan Peninsula and Teotihuacan, once one of the largest and most populated centres in the pre-Columbian Americas and is now known for its pyramids and its well-preserved murals.
True essence of Mexico
At the exhibition's recent inauguration, Ambassador of Mexico to Malaysia, Luis Javier Campuzano Pina, said that the Mexican embassy (which hosted the show) wanted to showcase Mexican culture and offer Malaysians a glimpse of the true essence of Mexico.
'Sometimes people think that with the conquest by the Spaniards that our culture was erased. But here in this exhibition, through Juan Albert's photographs, you can see that that's not the case – our buildings and our populations are still living and they speak different languages," said Pina.
'I also think that when it comes to learning about other countries, it's very important for people to go beyond the main headlines and stories that come in the news. Mexico has so many commonalities with Malaysia in terms of culture and gastronomy. So I'm glad we could share this exhibition with Malaysians,' he added.
The iconic stairs at Batu Caves (left) and textiles found at Oaxaca. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
Pina also shared that he and Estevan were childhood friends who once spent five months traveling together across Europe in their youth.
'Even back then, you could see his capacity to observe the salient aspects of the beauty in the architecture of the places we travelled to.
'I was able to better understand the value of the architecture of the historical places we visited thanks to his knowledge, so now I'm delighted that we have the great pleasure of seeing his perspective through his photos,' he said.
A fusion of cultures
Another part of the exhibition, aptly named Fusions: Mexico-Malaysia, celebrates various facets that both countries have in common by seamlessly fusing snapshots of Mexico and Malaysia into one image.
In the 'Fusions: Mexico-Malaysia' section, Estevan blended scenes from both countries, like this image combining Batu Caves and a Mexican cenote. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
From natural features such as Malaysia's Batu Caves and Mexico's cenotes (limestone sinkholes) to the vibrant streets of Melaka and Oaxaca, Estevan said he wanted to emphasise the similarities between the two countries.
'In my last trip to Malaysia three years ago, I fell in love with the country – its people, its landscapes, its food, everything. I also noticed that culturally, we have a lot of things in common, for example the use of public spaces and how you can see people eating and enjoying life. There's also a love for bright, bold colours.
'So in this exhibition, I wanted to put them together to show that we are like brothers in many ways. As long as we continue talking to each other and working together, we will find new connections and bring about new ideas,' concluded the photographer.
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