Archival pigment print
63 x 42 inches / 160 x 106.5 cm
2021

Érase una vez [Once upon a time] series aims to develop a variety of visual narratives through characters based on real stories of Penafiel and those of those close to him. In these narratives, Penafiel weaves an alternative reality that indirectly reflects results that have to do with migration, using indirect references to contemporary historical events. Through this series, Penafiel creates a portal to an alternate reality where the characters are free to explore different paths and outcomes that diverge from their real-life counterparts.

The idea is to transmute these real stories into something fictitious but universal at the same time, always keeping the essence of the original characters and situations. By exploring alternate realities, Penafiel is able to highlight the complexities of migration and the impact it has on people's lives, while also offering a sense of hope and possibility for a different future. In this way, the Once upon a time series becomes a platform for storytelling that encourages empathy, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the world we live in.