“Alicia’s Time” by Santiago García Galván, photographic exhibition inaugurated in Türkiye

The photographic exhibition “El tiempo de Alicia”, by the Mexican creator Santiago García Galván, was inaugurated with great success in the Gallery of the School of Languages ​​of the Izmir University of Economics (Izmir), in a ceremony presided over by the Rector of the University, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, the Honorary Consul of Mexico in İzmir, Kemal Çolakoğlu, and the Mexican ambassador to Turkey, teacher José Luis Martínez Hernández, before a large audience.

In an interview, Santiago García Galván talks about an exhibition that offers a series of images in which he mixes the narrative of Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carrol, with his passion for Havana and makes us discover the vibration and beauty of the Caribbean city, through an Afro-Cuban model and the mythical rabbit Alice, which leads us to revalue the spaces of the island’s capital, giving them a new meaning.

THE exhibition “in the time of Alice” has been presented in various museums and galleries in Cuba, Mexico, Turkey and soon Spain.

-What meaning do you give as a photographer to the exhibition being presented in Türkiye?

-For me, the opportunity to present my exhibition in Turkey has been a deeply significant experience in my career as a photographer. Turkey, with its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, provided the perfect setting to share my work with an international audience. The chance to exhibit in a place with such a diverse and fascinating heritage added a new level of relevance and excitement to my work. I am especially grateful to Ambassador José Luis Martínez, whose continued support of our country’s culture and cultural exchange with other countries made this exhibition possible and further enriched this unique experience.

-Santiago García Galvan, graduate of the University of Arts and Entertainment of Madrid TAI,
He responds that Alice’s story is universal and so is Havana. What comments did you receive from the public about your photographic reinterpretation?

-I received fascinating comments from the public about my photographic reinterpretation of the story of Alice in Havana. One of the most notable was about the symbolism of the rabbit, which represents time in the fable of Alice, and its parallels with Cuba, which seems to be frozen in time in many ways. This metaphor added additional depth to my work by capturing not only the visual appearance, but also the symbolic essence of two seemingly disparate worlds, creating an emotional and thoughtful connection with the audience.

-From a distance, what new aspects and what validity do you find in this work that you did at a special time for Havana?

-From a distance, my work carried out at a special time for Havana continues to resonate with freshness and relevance. The fusion of the city’s history and culture with the Alice in Wonderland narrative remains intriguing and evocative. This unique combination invites reflection on the city’s identity and its distinctive characteristics. Additionally, my work remains relevant by capturing the timeless essence of Havana, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in its beauty and complexity, no matter when the observation is made.

-What plans do you have as a photographer in the line of reinterpreting stories of all time?

He is also a film director and producer,
and founder of Itaca Films, says that as a photographer he has “exciting plans along the lines of reinterpreting beloved stories. On the one hand, in collaboration with the University of İzmir, we are developing a program to guide students in the representation of the story of Alice in İzmir, with the intention of expanding this project to other universities and photographers in different parts of the world. The idea is to highlight the positive aspects of each city from the perspective of someone who knows the place deeply and wants to highlight its qualities. I firmly believe that in a world marked by polarization and violence, projects like this can transform and offer a ray of hope.”

“On the other hand, in my personal photography, I am considering the possibility of working on another classic tale in Turkey, specifically inspired by the 1001 nights. Additionally, I plan to photograph a reinterpretation of Hansel and Gretel in Mexico City. “These projects will allow me to explore new narratives and continue sharing timeless stories through my lens.”

-What is the importance of the Mexican government sponsoring these expressions of Mexican creators abroad?

-“The importance of the Mexican government sponsoring these expressions of Mexican creators abroad lies in the value of cultural exchange and the promotion of the diversity and richness of Mexican culture on a global level. Government support provides visibility and support to talented Mexican creators who represent the country internationally, thus strengthening the image and cultural influence of Mexico in the world.

Cultural exchange not only enriches relations between countries, but also promotes intercultural dialogue that fosters mutual understanding and respect between nations. By sponsoring these artistic expressions abroad, the Mexican government contributes to expanding the reach and influence of Mexican culture, allowing it to be appreciated and valued in diverse global contexts.

In addition, government support for Mexican creators abroad helps build cultural bridges that facilitate understanding between different societies and promote collaboration and creative exchange. This is especially important in an increasingly interconnected world, where understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity is fundamental to promoting peace and international cooperation. In summary, the Mexican government’s support for the cultural expressions of Mexican creators abroad is an investment in strengthening international relations and promoting cultural diversity as an engine of development and global understanding.