Expositions internationales et image nationale: les pays d’Amérique latine entre pittoresque «indigène» et modernité proclamée

Abstract

Windows opened on the world, International Exhibitions provide public representations of the countries that are often idealized, especially when financial profitability considerations are involved, because it usually incites organizers to find “exotic” attractions to reach success. For many countries it’s a necessity to be represented at their best, both for economic, commercial or diplomatic issues. For this ambition they are also forced to choose which representation of themselves they want to show, and sometimes that turns into a caricature. Through the example of several Latin American countries (Mexico, Peru, Argentina…), we will see the “factory image” at work, showing the different strategies adopted by the participating countries and the dangers and disappointments they run into.

Keywords

• images
• Latin America
• national identity
• representations
• World Exhibitions
• Amérique latine
• expositions universelles
• identité nationale
• représentations
• America latina
• esposizioni universali
• identità nazionali
• immagini
• rappresentazioni