“Paisanos”: A New Book rescues Argentina’s Untold Visual History and Redefines National identity
Table of Contents
A powerful new book, “paisanos,” and the collaborative archive behind it, are challenging conventional notions of Argentine identity and preserving a wealth of forgotten visual history. Launched in 2024, the Argentine Visual Archive is actively rescuing family and public photographs from potential oblivion, weaving them into a compelling narrative of the nation’s past – one that prioritizes the stories of everyday people over traditional heroes.
Beyond Borders: Defining the True “Paisano”
The concept of the “paisano” – often translated as “countryman” – is central to the book’s ethos. As articulated by Atahualpa Yupanqui, a paisano isn’t simply someone born in Argentina, but rather someone who has cultivated a deep emotional connection to the land. “It is not the one who was necessarily born in Argentina, but the one who finaly managed to feel her, the one who carries her on his chest, the one who likes her and cries for her,” the text explains. This sense of belonging is earned through feeling and commitment, not simply birthplace. This differs markedly from the greeting between Colombians abroad – “How’s my countryman doing?” – suggesting a uniquely Argentine understanding of national identity rooted in shared emotional experience.
A Visual journey Through Argentina’s Past
“Paisanos” embarks on a geographical journey through Argentina, showcasing a diverse collection of photographs that capture the essence of daily life. The archive actively solicits contributions from the public, recognizing that the largest volume of historical images resides within dispersed family collections.
A striking example of this collaborative spirit is the story of Quique Figueroa,a Buenos Aires resident who discovered a box of 200 photographs near a container and contacted the archive to help trace the history of the Santiago factory.The archive also gratefully acknowledges contributions from Jorge Ham Leloir, Rafa Ayerza, Guillermo Srodek-Hart, the Frey, Marenco, Pi, and Jacobacci families, among many others. Notably, Diego Fariña of Tandil provided notably detailed descriptions of the photographs, meticulously documenting every gesture and shadow.
Rescuing Memories from Oblivion
The archive’s creation was spurred by a concerning trend: families often discard old photographs rather then donating them to public archives.”Historians of Argentine photography know that the largest volume of ancient images preserved in our country is found in the dispersed set of family collections,” the text notes. “And, generally, when families decide to part with these photos, they do not donate them to local public archives-when they exist-but simply throw them away, throw them away.” The Argentine Visual Archive aims to reverse this “bleeding of stories” by providing a platform for preservation and shared memory.
The project recognizes that history isn’t solely constructed through documents, but also through emotions, feelings, and personal associations. “He said that each one collaborates with his memory,” the text states.”And here a new dimension emerges to think about history – or historiography – what happened in the heart, not only through the documents, but also writing history.” Photographs, therefore, speak to us through the eyes of those who observe them, offering layered interpretations and enriching our understanding of the past.
“Paisanos” is more than just a book; it’s a testament to the power of collective memory and a call to action. The Argentine Visual Archive encourages anyone with forgotten photographs to share them, ensuring that these invaluable pieces of history are preserved for future generations. The book is available in bookstores across Argentina, on MercadoLibre, and by contacting [email protected].
.
Juan Pablo Baliña, an Argentine historian and researcher leading the @ArchivoVisualArgentino, has more than 10 published books and a deep commitment to preserving his country’s visual heritage, a passion he shares with his wife, Anita, and their four children, Ceferino, Cipriano, Indalecio, and Filomena.
