MexicansUK is the most recent photographic collaboration between Mexican-British brother and sister Roxana and Pablo Allison. It seeks to give exposure and
recognition to the Mexicans residing in this country - either temporarily or
permanently - highlighting and acknowledging their contributions to the UK. The
project also aims to dissolve stereotypes commonly attached to Mexican culture.
Thousands of Mexicans live around the world,
11,000 of which live in the United Kingdom*. Having left their motherland for
various reasons, the majority will return to Mexico but others won’t.
Some might feel at home in their new environment while others may feel
self-exiled and not completely settled.
Mexico is widely recognised for its rich and
vast cultural heritage, however for over 10 years the country has lived
through a war on drugs that has triggered high levels of insecurity and
violence convulsing Mexicans lives. Therefore, the common feeling of most of
those portrayed for this project is of uncertainty, concerned about Mexico’s
present and future.
The project focuses on the diversity of backgrounds and life-stories of the people that make up
this migrant community in the UK. It aims to shed light on a community that contributes both economically
and culturally to the shaping of British society.
MexicansUK was awarded funding by the Embassy
of Spain’s Office for Cultural and Scientific Affairs and the University of
London and was part of the Being Human Festival 2015 programme at Senate House, (University
of London) in November 2015.
The project's website: www.mexicansuk.co.uk
Roberto, Nuevo Leon, 2015
