Contested Spaces: San Felipé, Panama City --> Photos up at Mulberry Coffee Shop for April.

A recent project of mine is finally coming to a close!  Images taken last year in Panama City and framed just recently will be up at Mulberry for the next month.

The images attempt to capture the current identity of Latin America’s oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific coast; San Felipé.  Through decades of neglect, this neighbourhood in Panama City had remained what many would call a ‘slum’.  

Recent restoration projects and the tourism industry have lead to the rapid development of hostels, hotels and high-end restaurants in what was considered Panama City’s most dangerous neighbourhood no longer than 10 years ago.

Though the neighbourhood has its economic and social struggles, it would be foolish to assume that the changes brought on by tourism would make the neighbourhood economically and social better off.  It may go either way.


As tourism increases in Panama City, San Felipe will be forced to undergo certain changes.  It's current identity is being challenged by wealth - something the neighbourhood hasn't had for perhaps centuries.