Capturing the contradictory beauty of Mexico City in The Romanoffs

Abstract

Through a cultural studies approach to identity and spatial studies, this article considers how the spaces and communities of “Panorama” of The Romanoffs series paint a fuller visual portrait of contemporary Mexico City then first meets the eye. For every scene that celebrates the wealth of Mexico City and tourist landmarks, there is a parallel one that shows Mexico's poverty or working-class communities. “Panorama” is a love story to Mexico City that showcases the many identities contained in the multifaceted capital, exposes injustice, and ultimately aligns itself with those who are disenfranchised.