Mónica Arreola’s work lies somewhere between landscape photography and the sociopolitical analysis of the places depicted in her photographs.

In a certain sense, it could fit within the New Topographic Movement.

Of course, when I look at these, I have to interpret them based on what they document and what they convey to me.

And these two elements, together with the author’s point of view, create an experience that is compatible with a complete visual analysis.

Eduardo Lozano Murillo wrote about the work of Mónica Arreola:

“For over a decade, Mónica Arreola (Mexican, b. 1976) has worked around multi-family homes, exploring their social, cultural, political, economic, and aesthetic impacts.

Drawing on her background as an architect, Arreola has been documenting the abandoned housing projects on the outskirts of Tijuana since 2013, offering a unique perspective on these neglected spaces.

Arreola’s work delves into modern ruins and abandonment, exploring their profound impacts on the urban landscape.

Her artistic vision is rooted in the ‘third landscape’ concept, a term coined by French gardener Gilles Clément.

The author states that the third landscape is a neglected area.

This concept refers to spaces that emerge from the abandonment of previously exploited land, be it industrial, agricultural, touristic, or urban.

In this context, the skeletal remains of abandoned buildings on the outskirts of cities constitute new landscapes, representing territories left to the mercy of economic or political decisions.

Arreola’s photographs are a testament to her unique aesthetic.

Captured during the autumn/winter period to harness the unique light of the season, they exude a dramatic stillness, as if time has frozen.

Her framing, reminiscent of classic landscape characteristics, includes a horizon, an expansive sky, and a noticeable absence of human presence.

Yet, she also ventures into close frames of specific details, challenging traditional landscape photography and creating close-ups of these abandoned buildings, which stand as poignant reminders of the ruins of capitalism.

The show presents the images in groups that dialogue with each other through the details, houses, and territory.

The photographs tried to create a reduced space as the one built and shown in these residential complexes.”