BO, Alessandro. Smail.

(Mexico): Inframundo, 2018.  First edition.  Octavo.  [84 pages]. During the 1950s, immigrants from the United States, Canada, and Europe began to flock to the town of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, which for them, became a secret paradise where they were able to find an abundance of great food, parties, and art for a much lower price than they could in their respective countries. Now, San Miguel is known for luxurious spas, cafes, galleries, and hotels, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. This commercialized version of San Miguel conceals a debaucherous past. Artist Alessandro Bo attempts to unveil this past in SMAIL juxtaposing archival photographs of foreigners in San Miguel de Allende during the second half of the 20th century, as well as current photographs of San Miguel’s tourists by Alessandro.  Published in an edition of 300 copies, this is one of 35 copies with an additional 12-page booklet.  A very good copy housed in a thin card photo-illustrated sleeve.