Title translation: I am the other (female version)
Physical Dimensions: w22 x h30 in (total measurement (7 x 7 in. each))
About the Work: In these works, the artist photographs 16 people of each gender based on the illustrations of Joaquín Pinto, Ecuadorian folk artist of the 19th century, who portrayed the 4 racial types recognized by the Ecuadorian state: white, indigenous, black and mestizos. Alvear’s intent is to deconstruct the racial representations generated by the discourse of the Ecuadorian State and testify against the stereotypes of each racial group, often associated with their clothes.
These works contain a playful element—since the portraits resemble small toys, the spectator is the one who decides which one is the “real” look corresponding to each person, thus challenging the viewer to face his/her own prejudices.