In a vibrant exploration of identity, photographer Alexa LexMex Treviño captures the essence of San Francisco’s Latin American community in her latest work, “Existir es Resistir / To Exist is to Resist.”
Riding her Vespa through the Mission District, Treviño immerses herself in the rich tapestry of her surroundings, filled with mercaditos, vibrant bougainvillea, and expressive murals that echo the neighborhood’s history and resilience.
Central to her work is the portrayal of individuals adorned in the clothing of their ancestors, a powerful statement on cultural pride and continuity.
The project was developed during her RAÍCES Fellowship with Accion Latina, a local nonprofit committed to uplifting Latinx artists in San Francisco.
Through her lens, Treviño aims to shift the narrative surrounding her community away from struggle and pain and towards strength, beauty, and the radical act of existence itself.
“This project is my heart on display. It’s a way for me to honor the people and the neighborhood that helped shape me not just as a person, but as an artist,” Treviño explains.
In choosing the Mission as her backdrop, Treviño emphasizes the neighborhood’s ceremonial atmosphere, marked by the sights and sounds of cultural expressions.
She describes the Mission as both a source of inspiration and a testament to migration, capturing its essence through the intricate details of everyday life—colorful architecture intertwined with nature and the vibrant markets offering produce from various Latin American nations.
“Every time I stepped behind the camera, I tried to reflect back the energy that was given to me,” she notes, reflecting on the community’s warmth and support throughout her project.
One of Treviño’s favorite portraits features Susana Arenas Pedroso, a Cuban dance instructor, and her student Skarlet, captured in a moment of dance that embodies the spirit of Yemayá, the water goddess in Cuban Santería.
Originally beginning their shoot at a once-beloved local restaurant, they sought a more fitting background that conveyed the sacredness of their dance.
This search led them to an alley adorned with vines and flowers, a vibrant contrast to the urban landscape, perfectly framing the dancers as they performed.
“The portrait I made captures even a fraction of what they gave me in that moment,” Treviño shares, highlighting how the experience transcended the act of photography itself.
A touching moment transpired when an elderly woman observed the dance from her home and expressed how it filled her with joy, reinforcing the power of community and art.
As the project progressed, Treviño’s connection to the neighborhood deepened.
“While I was documenting, people would stop to show support,” she recalls.
An unforgettable instance involved her Puerto Rico session, where a local bar supported her efforts with a gesture of generosity.
The drums played by Batey Tambó echoed the rich histories of their ancestors, while Julia Caridad Cepeda performed passionately in the street, showcasing the vibrant cultural fabric of the Mission.
The impact of Treviño’s work was evident during the exhibit’s opening, where viewers were moved to tears upon seeing their reflections on the gallery walls, honored and celebrated.
For Treviño, the emotional responses from her subjects are a testament to the importance of representation.
Documenting her community during tumultuous times has imbued her photographs with significance, revealing the shared human experience beneath the diversity of Latin America’s cultures.
The project has garnered much attention, culminating in a closing reception of “Existir es Resistir / To Exist is to Resist,” scheduled for next Friday, October 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Accion Latina, located at 2958 24th St. in the Mission.
This event will serve not only as a farewell to an impactful exhibition but also as a celebration of the community and the various stories woven into its fabric.
In every image taken, Treviño hopes to convey the warmth and pride of the people of San Francisco’s Mission.
Through her lens, she aims to honor a unique cultural narrative that celebrates existence in the face of adversity.
image source from：sfstandard
