The exhibition held at Malba (Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires), curated by Sofía Dourron, recovers the legacy of Foto Estudio Luisita, founded by the Colombian sisters, Chela Escarria (Cali, 1930), and Luisa Escarria (Cali, 1929 - Buenos Aires, 2019). It was one of the Argentine photography studios dedicated to the graphics of theatrical marquees, during the transition to color photography. The sessions took place in the studio, which was actually Escarria's house, merging a homey and artistic atmosphere at the same time.

Like a red carpet, visitors descend the museum's grand staircase to the entrance of the hall. But behind the entire spectacle, they encounter black-and-white photographs of the biggest celebrities in their early days. These images show a more intimate and silent world. The staging space is small and the walls are painted a salmon pink reminiscent of an ordinary home. Thanks to the photographers' talent with retouching, the photographs were then stunning. They were true pioneers.

Foto Estudio Luisita,  "Ethel and Gogó Rojo at The Grand Ending, Maipo Theatre", 1973 Photograph of the exhibition room, 2021

Foto Estudio Luisita, "Zulma Faiad", 1972

Although the world of Theatrical Revue was always characterized by sexism and the objectification of women, the showgirls posed calmly. Luisa and Chela created a safe space for these women and the images convey this. In that house-studio full of dogs and canaries, the models could be themselves.

The Theatrical Revue as a cultural phenomenon in the city of Buenos Aires was unjustly little studied. But everyone who visited the Buenos Aires neighborhood at night knows perfectly well those shows, denigrated to this day by the "good art". Nevertheless, the theatrical works coexisted with political, economic, and social transformations and tensions in Argentina. In contrast, this new form of entertainment also offered a space for diversity. This can be seen in many photographs that portray sexual liberation, women's freedom, or portraits of transsexual women in a dark time for diversities.

The exhibition invites the visitor to rediscover this product of the mass circulation of images. The magazine theater is a reflection of the escape of people when society goes through complex periods. It also vindicates the artistic vision of two women who built their space at a time when women depended on men to advance their careers.