There is a pervasive irony from start to end of Trisha Ziff’s exhibition which brings together a plethora of posters, t-shirts, tattoos and other objects adorned with the most reproduced image in the history of photography. Korda’s iconic portrait of the Argentine doctor who abandoned his middle class background and career in medicine in pursuit of social revolution and the emancipation of the world’s poor, has become the symbol and role model for bourgeois romantics and ideal seeking youth decades after his execution.
So exactly what is this exhibition trying to achieve? The irony of this icon as a capitalist brand is made explicit from the beginning of the exhibition with a particularly striking pair of posters displaying a collage of the image made of the logos of consumer giants of the 20th century. Yet the diverse worldwide appropriation of this image, from a small pin-badge on a businessman’s suit to the proud logo on a young Mexican boy’s homemade machine gun; in many ways these tell more of a powerful story than the image itself.
Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s execution at the age of 39 and his resultant likening to Jesus Christ features heavily in the exhibition from the subtle changing of portrait features to a contemporary Latin American painting which places him in the place of Christ on the cross. This Christ like iconography contributes further to the myth-making which is so essential in the interpretation and evaluation of such a figure. Ultimately the exhibition culminates with the resultant ‘fetishism’ of Che’s image, demonstrated both physically and figuratively on photographs such as a brash tattoo upon the peeping cleavage of a nun.
While a certain level of empathy is implicit, one cannot help but think of the darker side of the man and his ideology: the blood thirsty desire for revolution, and the physical and psychological torture which this socialist hero inflicted upon innocent people.
It could be argued that the exhibition lacks background information, yet the visitor’s intelligence is not insulted by over simplified analysis of the reasons behind this pervasive icon. Instead, these powerful images inspire reflection and a desire to read more about this intriguing character and his fundamental role in modern culture and iconography. For this reason the exhibition is best visited with another person, to cogitate and discuss.
The “Che! Revolució I mercat” exhibition is currently in the Palau de la Virreina on las Ramblas, where it will stay until 20/01/07. For accommodation near to las Ramblas click here
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