Ways of inhabiting and ways of seeing: territorialization policies and visual representation in Northern Patagonia

Abstract

This work is part of a line of inquiry into the processes of construction of identities and otherness as a result of the formation of the Argentine State.

The analysis addresses the role of visual representation in the processes of elaboration of imaginaries about territories and subjects resulting from the border expansion policies of the late 19th century. We are specifically interested in focusing on the variations in the modes of photographic representation of the Northern Patagonian space and the native peoples at three different moments. First, we consider the albums with the shots taken during the military occupation process itself; second, a series of institutional records are analysed from the mid-20th century in the context of assimilationist policies; and finally, we study the recent experiences of self-representation of Mapuche Organizations in the region.

Based on this analysis, some observations are made on the connection between different modes of visual representation and their discursive and political contexts of production. We also reflect on the potential of working with images in relation to affirmative policies for the construction of memories and identities.