In her fantastic work, Magnum photographer Cristina De Middel investigates the connections between reality and photography. She experiments with archetypes to provide a more nuanced understanding of the themes she tackles, merging conceptual and documentary photographic techniques. Based on the idea that the media distorts our true perception of reality, De Middel reacts to the visual cliches and the substitution of facts for opinions.

Her exhibition at Église des Frères Prêcheurs, presented at Les Rencontres d’Arles in the South of France, until 29th September, is this year’s highlight. Journey to the Center is a poignant series that borrows the atmosphere and structure of the Jules Verne eponymous book.

This touching show explores the Central American migration route across Mexico as a heroic and courageous journey. This version of the voyage begins at Tapachula, the Mexican border with Guatemala, and concludes at Felicity, a small Californian hamlet that is recognised as the official “Centre of the World.” The ridicule of this location, from which one can view the border fence, only serves to stress the sense of dystopian abandonment of its people. The One That Left [La que se Fue], for example, depicts a girl wearing a large-size jumper with Donald Trump’s face. The irony of this photo is further heightened by the presentation of the actual jumper in the small back room of the Church bringing viewers both a smile and a sense of horror.

The photographer’s approach, close to a contemporary art practice, uses a language that amalgamates created pictures, historical information, and straight documentary photography to reveal the complexity of migration. The current US political context is seen through sadness and humour in De Middel’s sophisticated work. The idea of the journey is reflected in a colourful way, often contrasting with the dangerous situations.

For Cristina de Middel, visual arts, whether photography, drawings, paintings, are all languages. They are a way for her to communicate ideas and stories with people beyond the limitations of words. Journey to the Centre is a must-see at this year’s festival.

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Image: Cristina De Middel. Back Back [Volver Volver], Journey to the center series, 2021. Courtesy of the artist/Magnum Photos.