The photographic collection of the Televisa Foundation started out with the adventures of one of Mexico’s great photographers, Manuel Álvarez Bravo (1902-2002). In 1980, Bravo was invited to create a significant archive in the genre of photography with the aim of establishing the first museum of photography in the country. During six years of relentless work, he brought together more than 2,500 images which make up the cornerstone of what is today the most important collection of photography in Latin America. ‘Don Manuel’, as he was known in the cultural world of
Mexico, collected images which have, for a variety of reasons, contributed to the history of photography - from the European travellers of the 19th century (who provided a second coming for temples of the ancient American Indians through the discovery of these mysterious images of an architecture devoured by nature), to other great authors who have, through their ambitious projects, defined the language of photography.
Almost thirty years have passed since the beginning of this initiative in which photography has reclaimed its place on the artistic circuit. What began as a collection of a ‘minor’ genre is today an entire heritage that is essential for understanding modern and contemporary visual culture.
The selection of images from the collection that appear in this issue dedicated to Mexico, represents some of the lines of research that we have been developing in recent years. It also emphasises the non-artistic use of photography and supports the acquisitions of both historical and contemporary Mexican photography.
Given the vast photographic production that has taken place in Mexico since its invention in the mid-19th century, it’s fundamentally important for the Foundation to understand the policies of acquisition and rescue that are required for strengthening the collection and thereby contributing to a greater understanding of the image.
For us, collecting images is a commitment to the visual memory of our country and in that sense, we want to actively participate in the conservation, research and promotion of the vast territories explored through the photographic image.
Mauricio Maillé is the Director of Visual Arts at Fundación Televisa
www.televisa.com.mx/
