Dulce Pinzón, "The real story of the Superheroes," 2004–2005
DULCE PINZÓN
BERNABE MENDEZ from the State of Guerrero works as a professional window cleaner in New York. He sends 500 dollars a month., 2004–2005
From the series "The real story of the Superheroes"
C-print mounted
20 x 24 inches
Courtesy of the artist
DULCE PINZÓN
MARIA LUISA ROMERO from the State of Puebla works in a Laundromat in Brooklyn, New York. She Sends 150 dollars a week., 2004–2005
From the series "The real story of the Superheroes"
C-print mounted
20 x 24 inches
Courtesy of the artist
NOT ON VIEW
Dulce Pinzón is a Mexican-born artist whose work focuses on struggles faced by Mexican immigrants. Dulce Pinzón’s series “The Real Story of the Superheroes,” to which these two photographs belong, highlights Mexican immigrants working in New York City to support family members who remain in Mexico. After the events of September 11, 2001, the American public was focused on identifying national heroes, such as police officers and firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect others. Pinzón created her series in response to this cultural climate, aiming to bring awareness to other, often invisible, heroes of American society—hardworking immigrants.
These photographs of Maria Luisa Romero and Bernabe Mendez each represents a Mexican immigrant dressed as a superhero and working in the United States. Maria Luisa Romero depicts a woman clothed as Wonder Woman, working in a laundromat. Her costume is tight-fitting, and her face lacks any explicit emotion. Bernabe Mendez presents a man dressed as Spider Man working as a window washer. His face is hidden by the costume, concealing his identity. By dressing these individuals as anonymous comic book heroes, Pinzón calls attention to their heroic stories and recognizes them as individuals who are worthy of public acknowledgment and admiration.
Cierra Horsting, UMD '16
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Dulce Pinzón challenges negative stereotypes about immigrants in the United States with her project, “The real story of the Superheroes.” Pinzón set out to capture images of those she considers the unsung heroes of her community—those immigrants who not only keep American cities like New York running by working long hours for little pay but who also support their families by sending home substantial portions of their paychecks each week. Pinzón staged images of immigrant workers from her own native country of Mexico performing their jobs in their work environments dressed as popular American and Mexican superheroes.
Stamp Gallery, 2016