"The​ ​Persistence​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Margin"

This series is a journey that makes evident the specificity of places and people that because of their affections and inheritance are unable to be incorporated into an ideology that excludes them. Acknowledging their existence becomes a reminder that an economic model is not infallible and makes it

During the six year administration of president Miguel Aleman Velasco (1946-1952), Mexico underwent a profound urban transformation which would continue to unfold uninterruptedly during the following decades. In the 1980’s, the introduction of liberal economic policies led to the implementation of large-scale affordable housing development projects that altered the lifestyles, as well as the material and symbolic relationships of their inhabitants.

Gentrification is the kind side of neoliberalism’s spatial restructuration and has expanded through large portions of Mexico City imposing standardized profitability formulas. However, there are spaces and lifestyles that resist the homogeneity of this program and that place a bet (while unproductive to the eyes of a real estate investor) that prevents this system from being fully implemented. Often, those who resist, fight without a hidden political agenda, the revolutionary spirit of their antagonism operates on affection levels and ways of life alien to the market’s demand for profitability. This rebellion, quiet and silent, is a celebration of the slow passing of time, contemplation, and the value of existence.

"The Persistence of the Margin" is a journey that makes evident the specificity of places and people that because of their affections and inheritance are unable to be incorporated into an ideology that rejects and excludes them. Acknowledging their existence becomes a reminder that an economic model is not infallible and makes it possible to conceive another way of being in this world.

Presented as residues, this photography series is accompanied by a set of objects that 1 have gathered. The objects not only attest to the passing of time, but they also emphasize their own singularity and difference.

© Melba Arellano - "The Marquis" Cabaret
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"The Marquis" Cabaret

© Melba Arellano - "Agrarian Affairs Office of México City"
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"Agrarian Affairs Office of México City"

© Melba Arellano - "Mikado" Travel Agency
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"Mikado" Travel Agency

© Melba Arellano - "Agrarian Affairs Office of México City"
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"Agrarian Affairs Office of México City"

© Melba Arellano - "Violeta" Cafeteria
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"Violeta" Cafeteria

© Melba Arellano - "Eli" Beauty Salon
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"Eli" Beauty Salon

© Melba Arellano - "Mele Plata" Photo studio I
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"Mele Plata" Photo studio I

© Melba Arellano - "Candela" Dance hall
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"Candela" Dance hall

© Melba Arellano - "Bartok" Tailoring workshop
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"Bartok" Tailoring workshop

© Melba Arellano - "IPN" Space Museum I
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"IPN" Space Museum I

© Melba Arellano - "Denmark" Model workshop
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"Denmark" Model workshop

© Melba Arellano - Image from the "The​ ​Persistence​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Margin" photography project
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Set of objects that I have gathered in places I have photographed. The objects not only attest to the passing of time, but they also emphasize their own singularity and difference.

© Melba Arellano - "English Fashion"
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"English Fashion"

© Melba Arellano - "The Dandy House"
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"The Dandy House"

© Melba Arellano - "IPN" Space Museum II"
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"IPN" Space Museum II"

© Melba Arellano - "Mele Silver" Photo Studio II
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"Mele Silver" Photo Studio II

© Melba Arellano - "Jorge" Beauty Salon
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"Jorge" Beauty Salon

© Melba Arellano - "Telescope" Optic Store
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"Telescope" Optic Store

© Melba Arellano - "Fine Textiles"
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"Fine Textiles"

© Melba Arellano - Textile Engineering School Library
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Textile Engineering School Library

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