This is the marvelous name, similar to “Recollections of Things to Come” and evoking the idiomatic Carlos Monsivais, of the exposition at the Museo El Estanquillo, on the corner of Isabel La Católica and Madero, of antique photographs by an author longing for the past. The work of the curator is extraordinary, giving the viewer a real trip to the past. It begins with a section of portraits dedicated to loved ones from the last century. Some are really nice, but the best part is the beautiful manuscript writing, which was common then. It seems like schools worked better then, at least in the long daily calligraphy exercises.
There are names sacred to this art: Álvarez Bravo, Héctor García, the Mayo brothers, Agustín Casasola, who studied photography and are from the main capitals of the country. In some cases, their decorations became real works of art, like those snapshots taken in the street, especially in San Juan de Letrán, whose renovation would be fantastic.
The sections of the exhibition are diverse. It includes everything from photographs of families and anonymous people to fundamental pieces of our recent history: Díaz’s government; the 100 Year Commemoration of the independence; the Revolution and railway worker, doctor and student social movements. Aspects from the presidential periods of Álvaro Obregón, Plutarco Elías Calles, Lázaro Cárdenas, Gustavo Díaz Ordaz and Luis Echeverría can also be seen, as well as shows and magazines. There is a reproduction of an XEW-AM radio broadcast, which is very well done and includes idols from the era like Pedro Infante, Agustín Lara, Jorge Negrete, Las Águila, Toña la Negra and the Avándaro festival.
It’s a delight that no one should miss. It will be open until April 4 and is free. Go, you won’t regret it.
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