A Journey Through Light, Gender, and Memory

Poblado Park weaves a narrative of visual dialogues, capturing the essence of individuals who found solace and community in a bustling nocturnal space in Medellin, Colombia, from 2009 to 2011. This photographic series endeavors not merely to document but to explore the rich tapestry of identities, experiences, and expressions encapsulated within each portrait.

Navigating through the realms of identity and belonging, this work reflects a personal pilgrimage. As a Latin-American subjected to the persistent sting of discrimination in the United States since the 1980s, I found myself propelled toward a journey of re-exploration and reconnection with my Colombian roots—a narrative obscured by my exposure to American media stereotypes and my own displaced histories.

In every photography series I undertake, I adhere to a foundational principle: capturing portraits of individuals within a singular, specific site. This methodological approach gives life to what I term a "visual ethnography." It not only paints a vivid picture of those who inhabit and frequent a given locale but also subtly underscores those who are conspicuously absent or have diminished access. In the context of Poblado Park, from a curation of 25 portraits distilled from a broader collection, the ethnic mosaic becomes evident. Only one man unmistakably bears African lineage, and just one woman presents distinctly indigenous features. This is striking, given Colombia's rich tapestry of indigenous communities and populations tracing back to African ancestry. Yet, the majority of the series unveils a potent ethnic amalgamation, intertwining European histories with the indigenous essence native to this land. Colombia's diverse human tableau, shaped significantly by vast Indigenous populations and descendants of African slaves, is vast and varied. However, the series inadvertently throws a spotlight on the underlying socio-cultural and ethnic dynamics at play, revealing who gets to occupy spaces like Poblado Park — and more poignantly, who doesn't. The absence speaks volumes.

The series unconsciously evolved to encompass a tender exploration of non-heterosexual identities, juxtaposing my adolescent memories of stark LGBTQ+ adversity in Colombia against a contemporary semblance of uneasy social tolerance. These portraits attempt to traverse the nuanced interplay between visual representation and perceived sexual orientation, provoking a pivotal inquiry: Can a portrait ever authentically unveil an individual’s sexual identity? This begets further introspection: Why should such revelation be important? And, if so, in what context? My quest unearthed entrenched layers of cultural and gender-based repression and personal concealment, leading to an eye-opening understanding of how deeply rooted stereotypes perpetually steer collective-heterosexual perspectives and actions, often to the detriment of LGBTQ+ communities. Central to these insights is recognizing the extensive sway of my own socially- and culturally-constructed biases as a heterosexual man—especially how they shape my cosmologies and interactions and the agency I afford to my LGBTQ+ kinspeople in both personal and public spheres. Engaging with these visual narratives has spotlighted my preconceptions, marking a blurred yet proactive step toward disentangling them from my psyche. Perhaps it's an initial move towards recalibrating my personal narrative and actions in favor of a more inclusive approach towards our LGBTQ+ communities.

Inspired by a quest for authenticity and veracity, Poblado Park commits to immortalizing its subjects as they appeared and as they aspired to be seen—unembellished, unaltered, and unequivocally themselves. In eschewing studio lighting of any sort, make-up, or auxiliary assistance, and minimizing direction, the sessions blossomed into sparse yet intimate encounters. The individual, myself, a camera, and a tripod, enveloped in 10 to 15-minute vignettes of vulnerability and candidness, under the unassuming glow of available street light.

This series, while initially sparked as a technical exercise influenced by the poignant impact of a photograph by Edward S. Curtis of an Indigenous person native to this continent observed in a Sedona, AZ gallery, evolved into a deeply personal and explorative project. It stands as a testament to the unspoken narratives, concealed identities, and the perpetually complex exploration of self and otherness amidst the ephemeral glow of Poblado Park’s nocturnal embrace.

For those new to the world of art collecting, the term "editions" refers to the number of copies produced from a single original piece of artwork. Editions help ensure the exclusivity and value of each print. Understanding the difference between limited and rare editions is crucial for collectors.

In all of my fine art photography, I am committed to offering rare editions to ensure exclusivity and high value for collectors. Each artwork is produced in extremely limited quantities, with only 3 prints available for the larger size and 5 for the smaller size. Some series are even more exclusive, offered in only one size with an edition of 3

RARE EDITION
Definition: A rare edition is even more exclusive than a limited edition, implying extreme scarcity with very few prints available.

Typical Range: Rare editions typically include fewer than five prints and sometimes might even be a single print.

Value: Due to their extreme rarity, these prints are highly valuable and sought after by collectors.

Numbering: Similar to limited editions, rare editions are also numbered and usually signed by the artist.

LIMITED EDITION

Definition: A limited edition refers to a set number of prints produced from a single image. Once this number is reached, no more prints are made, ensuring scarcity.

Typical Range: The number can vary but is often between 5 to 50 prints. However, some editions can be larger. 

Value: The value of a limited edition print is usually higher than that of an open edition (where prints are made continuously) because the supply is restricted.

Numbering: Each print in a limited edition is usually numbered (e.g., 1/25, 2/25) and sometimes signed by the artist.

EXCLUSIVITY

Each series is composed of a maximum of 18 to 27 artworks. No other artworks from this series will ever be offered for sale. Once an edition for an artwork is sold out, no more prints will ever be available. Once all editions for all artworks in my series are sold out, the entire series will be sold out. This ensures the exclusivity and enduring value of each piece and each series as a whole.

In summary, while both limited and rare editions indicate a finite number of prints, rare editions are more exclusive and scarce, generally making them more valuable. This distinction is important for collectors and galleries as it directly influences the market value and desirability of the prints.

Framing, as displayed under each artwork, includes wood with acid-free mat and archival materials, along with clear acrylic featuring superior UV protection. Your framed artwork ships with installation hardware, and it arrives ready to hang. Unframed prints will be shipped in a tube. Additional framing options are available at an extra cost - please email me at marco@ma9.co for more information.

Enjoy free shipping on all orders placed within the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska.

International Shipping: International shipping is available at an additional cost. For more information, please email me at marco@ma9.co.

Processing & Shipping Time: All orders take approximately 10 to 15 business days to print, mount, frame, and prepare for shipping. Once shipped, delivery via UPS Ground typically takes an additional 3 to 7 business days. The total time from order to delivery is approximately 13 to 22 business days.

Tracking Information: You will receive tracking information once your order is shipped.

Custom Orders

• Personalized Creations: Each product is custom-made just for you, making it unique and special. As a result, we do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credit.
• Order Adjustments: You can make changes or cancellations within 24 hours of placing your order. If you need to make any modifications, please contact us promptly.

• Our Promise: We use the finest archival materials and hand-assemble each frame to ensure top quality. Every print is color-matched to the artist's original file and fully authenticated.
• Damaged or Incorrect Orders: If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us within 48 hours. Please include photos of the shipping box and the damage, along with your order number. We will work with you to resolve the issue, although we do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credit.

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• Reporting Issues: If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving your package. Send clear photos of the damage and the packaging.
• Resolution Process: We will review your photos and decide on a case-by-case basis whether to repair or replace the damaged item. This process may take up to 30 business days. While we aim to resolve issues within this timeframe, it may extend beyond it. Replacements are subject to our current manufacturing and shipping schedules. Note that you may be responsible for return shipping costs.

Defective Products

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• Inspection Upon Arrival: If your artwork is shipped to a third-party receiver (e.g., warehouse, installer, framer), please ensure it is inspected upon arrival. Any damage must be documented immediately by sending clear photos of the damage and the packaging. Once the artwork is checked in at the warehouse, ownership transfers to you.

International Orders

• Placing Orders: Orders outside the continental U.S. and Canada will not be accepted through our website. International clients must place orders privately by contacting us via email. The buyer is responsible for shipping, duties, and any other costs associated with international shipping.

Limitation of Liability

• Scope of Liability: Our liability is limited to the purchase price of the product. We are not responsible for any incidental or consequential damages.

Dispute Resolution

• Resolution Process: Any disputes arising from this policy will be resolved as per our Terms of Use.

Posting Policy

• Visibility Requirement: Our return policy is clearly posted on our website and at the point of sale. This ensures compliance with state-specific laws requiring conspicuous posting of return policies.

For any questions or assistance, including reporting damages or issues, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co. We are here to help and ensure you have a wonderful experience with our fine art photography.