Si las paredes callaran
Victorina -29 years old- was murdered in June 1889, during the night, at home, in her bedroom, by her husband Mariano -47 years old- during an argument in which he accused her of disobedience and adultery. A couple of weeks before the murder, she asked for a divorce.
She had fled home several times, and being obliged to return to it after he denounced her for abandoning the house. In the press from that period of time, other cases appear sharing similarities: Mariana had fled home as well; she was murdered by her husband on the street. A week earlier she had been returned to the abuser's house by the police. The same day of her arrest, another woman, Leonor, was also arrested for having escaped from her father’s house.
The domestic interior destined for women, which during that time took on considerable relevance due to the debate on the feminine matter, or the place that women should occupy in society, was projected as a feminine domain that was peaceful and protective. The fictitious protection of ceilings, walls, doors and windows - in this case, and in others of the time- served as a container of violence. In the two trials that were held against the agressor, two different juries found him not guilty, also the coroners said, after performing an autopsy, that she was hysterical, and a portrait photograph served to certify an alleged loving relationship.
Si las paredes callaran (If walls were silent) explores the tensions and violence of those situations in which, for example, he reproached her for not having the food ready, or for having made signs through the window to a man of her age, with whom she was supposedly emotionally involved. Through these images, domestic interiors that recreate a disturbing labyrinth bathed in the conflict between fear and the desire to escape, I propose a rereading of this type of mistreatment and crime -called at the time passionate crime.
She had fled home several times, and being obliged to return to it after he denounced her for abandoning the house. In the press from that period of time, other cases appear sharing similarities: Mariana had fled home as well; she was murdered by her husband on the street. A week earlier she had been returned to the abuser's house by the police. The same day of her arrest, another woman, Leonor, was also arrested for having escaped from her father’s house.
The domestic interior destined for women, which during that time took on considerable relevance due to the debate on the feminine matter, or the place that women should occupy in society, was projected as a feminine domain that was peaceful and protective. The fictitious protection of ceilings, walls, doors and windows - in this case, and in others of the time- served as a container of violence. In the two trials that were held against the agressor, two different juries found him not guilty, also the coroners said, after performing an autopsy, that she was hysterical, and a portrait photograph served to certify an alleged loving relationship.
Si las paredes callaran (If walls were silent) explores the tensions and violence of those situations in which, for example, he reproached her for not having the food ready, or for having made signs through the window to a man of her age, with whom she was supposedly emotionally involved. Through these images, domestic interiors that recreate a disturbing labyrinth bathed in the conflict between fear and the desire to escape, I propose a rereading of this type of mistreatment and crime -called at the time passionate crime.
The Photobook
The book concept, storyline and art direction by Ana Lorente. Edition of 29 signed copies were produced.Archival material.
Colour and B&W negative film : 6x7cm, 6x6cm, 4,5x6cm, 35mm.
Copyright © 2023 Ana Lorente. All rights reserved.