Uncovering The Invisible - Mexicans in the UK

At a time when Britain's immigrant community is increasingly falling under an unfriendly spotlight, 'Uncovering the Mexican Community in the UK' is a welcome photography exhibition and important reminder of the contribution that many Mexicans make to the cultural and social fabric of our lives. Elizabeth Mistry is moved by the current show at Senate House.

by Elizabeth Mistry

Siblings Pablo and Roxana Allison - born to Mexican and British parents in Manchester, bred in their mother's home city and currently living and working in the UK - bring a unique perspective to their subject.

For Mexio or Latinophiles, everyone of the 15 large portraits currently on show at the University of London's Senate House are worth seeing, but several stand out.

The image of primary school supply teacher Maricarmen hints at a complicated hinterland and the shot of Wiliams, from the predominantly rural - and frequently troubled - southern state of Chiapas reminds us that not everyone has had the chance to make the contribution to their adopted home that some if the others have.

The photographers who, says Roxana Allison, "work very well together - even though our styles are not always the same," shot their subjects using Canon 5D MKI and MK II 35mm cameras. They also interviewed the sitters, asking them all the same seven questions ranging from their reasons for leaving Mexico to what they miss most.

The Allisons had originally hoped to include someone from each of the 32 states that make up the republic but time and financial constraints prevented them. They have however succeeded in finding subjects from many of the less well known states and by asking them about the food they missed most have drawn a virtual gastronomic map of the country, something that was important to focus on, explains Pablo Allison "because we believe food is an essential element of Mexican culture."

There have been many events across Britain during 2015 as part of the Mexican and UK government sponsored Year of Mexico in the UK - aimed at introducing British audiences to some of the best and lesser known characters from (and issues pertaining to both countries) - but few have been as powerful as this independent exhibition.

Seemingly straightforward but with a realism that doesn't shy away from some of the most important but often neglected issues facing not just Mexicans but anyone choosing to make a new life away from home, it is fitting that the show - on all too briefly in its current home - is under the auspices of the multidisciplinary festival of the humanities, 'Being Human' .

Mexicans / UK is at the School of Advanced Study, Senate House (second floor) University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU until November 21st.

Monday - Friday 10.00 - 18.00, Saturday 10.00 - 17.00. Closed Sunday
Free Entry
Wheelchair Accessible