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  • About The Artist:Mario Franco
  • Eva Karene Romero, Assistant Editor

Mario Franco, born and raised in Asunción, Paraguay, has been a photographer for over 30 years. His subject of preference has consistently been the urban landscape of his hometown. Franco has a history of using photography to highlight architectural detail and educate on the buildings of the city and their historical protagonism. He published a series in the national newspaper, Última Hora, entitled: "Asunción, un paseo por el tiempo." His knowledge and appreciation of the urban landscape has also lead him to assist in the production of multiple tour guides, magazines and conservation and restoration projects.

Although much of Franco's work and expositions in Paraguay, Portugal, Italy, Germany and the United States have been dedicated to polishing and photographing the oft overlooked gems of Asunción's urban landscape, instances of decay and destruction are not absent from his portfolio. At times, his sense of humor is visible in playful juxtapositions.

As an instructor of photography, Franco has inspired many subsequent generations of photographers to learn new ways of seeing their environment. In 2006, Franco founded El Instituto de la Imagen, an educational organization dedicated to providing a variety of photography and film classes, workshops and field trips to an ever-growing body of students.

The Arizona Journal of Hispanic Cultural Studies is pleased to feature a number of Franco's prints throughout this issue. [End Page 9]

Eva Karene Romero, Assistant Editor
The University of Arizona
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