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.

Our framing includes wood with an acid-free mat, archival materials, and clear acrylic with superior UV protection.
We offer framing for prints up to 32 x 40 inches. Each framed artwork includes installation hardware and arrives ready to hang.
For additional or custom framing options on any size, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co for details.

Visual Rendering On Your Screen
The Sofa Display images and Frame Option previews are digital renderings that provide an approximate visual representation of the artwork and framing. Screen sizes, resolutions, and color settings may vary across devices, affecting the accuracy of scale and color reproduction on your screen. Please refer to the table below for exact print and framing measurements.

Enjoy free shipping on all orders placed within the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska.
Free shipping is available for framed prints up to 32 x 40 inches. Your framed artwork includes installation hardware and arrives ready to hang.
Free shipping also applies to the PRINT ONLY option on any size, with your artwork shipped securely in a protective tube.
Custom framing is available for any size upon request—please contact me directly for details.

International Shipping
We’re happy to offer international shipping. For details and a personalized quote, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co. We’d be glad to assist you.

Processing & Shipping Time
For framed orders, please allow 10 to 15 business days for printing, mounting, framing, and preparing your artwork for shipping. After that, UPS or FedEx Ground delivery adds 3 to 7 business days. The total estimated delivery time for framed orders is 13 to 22 business days.

For the PRINT ONLY option, orders ship within 3 to 5 business days. Once shipped, delivery via UPS or FedEx Ground takes an additional 3 to 7 business days. Your estimated delivery time is 7 to 12 business days from order to arrival.

Please Note: Delivery times may be affected during the holiday season. We recommend placing your order early to ensure timely arrival.

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

Edition Note
The largest print in a series is offered in a rare edition of 3, plus 1 Artist’s Proof (AP), held in the artist’s archive for legacy purposes and not available for sale.

Certification
Each piece is signed, editioned, titled, and dated on the verso. A certificate of authenticity is included.

Pricing
As editions sell out, prices may increase to reflect their growing rarity, demand, and value.

About Editions
In art collecting, "editions" refer to a limited number of prints produced from a single original artwork. Understanding the distinction between rare and limited editions is crucial for collectors, as it directly impacts the value and rarity of each print.

Rare Editions
Rare editions are the most exclusive, with very few prints available.
Typical Range: In my work, rare editions consist of 3 prints, plus 1 Artist's Proof held in reserved for legacy purposes.
Value: Due to their extreme rarity, these prints are highly sought after and hold significant value for collectors.
Numbering: Each rare edition print is individually numbered and signed by the artist.

Limited Editions
Limited editions refer to a fixed number of prints produced from a single image.
Typical Range: Limited editions in my work range from 9 prints for smaller sizes to a rare edition of 3 for larger sizes.
Value: While more accessible than rare editions, limited editions still offer exclusivity.
Numbering: Each limited edition print is numbered and signed by the artist.

Exclusivity
Once an edition is sold out, no additional prints will be produced, ensuring the lasting value and exclusivity of each artwork.

Custom Orders
Each product is custom-made specifically for you, making it unique and special. Therefore, all orders are final. We do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credits for custom creations.

Quality Assurance
We use the finest archival materials, and each frame is hand-assembled to ensure exceptional 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, please contact us within 48 hours with photos of the shipping box, the damage, and your order number. We will work with you to resolve the issue, although returns, refunds, exchanges, or credits are not offered.

Handling Damages
While we stand by the quality and craftsmanship of our products, rare instances of transit damage can occur.
Reporting Issues: If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving it. Include clear photos of the damage and packaging.
Resolution Process: We will assess the damage on a case-by-case basis to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary, a process which may take up to 30 business days. Replacements depend on current production and shipping schedules, and you may be responsible for return shipping costs.

Defective Products
If you believe your product is defective (distinct from transit damage), contact us within 48 hours with photos and a description of the defect. We will review and decide whether to repair, replace, or refund the item.

Third-Party Receivers
If artwork is sent to a third-party receiver, such as a warehouse, installer, or framer, please ensure inspection upon arrival. Any damage must be documented immediately with clear photos of both the damage and packaging, as ownership transfers to you once it is checked in.

International Orders
For orders outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii, please place your order directly by contacting us via email, as we do not process international orders through the website. Buyers are responsible for all shipping, duties, and associated international costs.

Limitation of Liability
Our liability is limited to the purchase price of the product, and we are not responsible for incidental or consequential damages.

Dispute Resolution
Disputes arising from this policy will be resolved according to our Terms of Use.

Posting Policy
Our return policy is clearly posted on our website and at the point of sale to ensure compliance with state-specific laws requiring prominent posting of return policies.

For 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.