"Tango & The Kid – A Dance of Love and Innocence on the Streets of Queretaro"
On a quiet afternoon in the bustling streets of Queretaro City, the sound of distant music wafted through the air—a melody that seemed to float between the centuries-old arches and cobblestone streets. It was here, amidst the timeless beauty of one of Mexico’s most historic cities, that Chuck Jones captured the essence of a fleeting, magical moment in his platinum palladium print, "Tango & The Kid."
The scene is captivating: a couple, lost in the sensual embrace of the tango, move with an effortless grace. Their bodies, perfectly synchronized, tell a story of passion, desire, and a love that transcends time. The man’s hand rests gently on the woman’s back, guiding her through each step, while her eyes remain closed, fully trusting in the rhythm of the dance and the strength of her partner.
But in the background, there is another figure—one that transforms the moment from a simple dance into a story of innocence and wonder. A small child, barely old enough to understand the intricacies of the tango, stands wide-eyed, watching the dancers with a sense of awe. The child’s presence adds a layer of innocence to the scene, as if they are witnessing love for the very first time, frozen in the timeless beauty of that moment.
The Story of "Tango & The Kid"
This photograph is more than a simple street scene; it is a testament to the universal language of dance and the power of human connection. The couple in the photograph, though unknown to the viewer, represent the eternal dance between two souls—caught in a moment where the world around them fades, and only they exist. Their clothing, meticulously highlighted with Suzanne Birrell’s delicate watercolor toning, adds vibrancy to the image, bringing the scene to life. The man's classic tango attire—a fedora and two-toned shoes—contrasts beautifully with the woman’s bold red dress, the color of passion, flowing as she twirls in his arms.
Meanwhile, the child, a quiet observer, represents the future, innocence, and the beauty of witnessing love in its purest form. The juxtaposition of the sensual tango with the child’s wide-eyed curiosity creates a powerful narrative that draws the viewer in, making them feel like they too are part of the scene—standing there in the streets of Queretaro, watching this timeless dance unfold.
The Magic of Chuck Jones’ Journey
Photographer Chuck Jones spent nearly eight years on the road, driving over 56,000 miles in his Jeep, seeking out these hidden gems of Mexican culture. His mission was to document the disappearing traditions and cultures of rural and urban Mexico, and in "Tango & The Kid," he has found a moment that encapsulates the beauty of human connection in a rapidly changing world.
Printed using the platinum palladium process, this image possesses an incredible depth of tone and contrast, with each detail meticulously preserved on 100% cotton Arches Platine paper. This print, at 15" x 22", is a celebration of artistry, both in the photography and in the hand watercolor toning that Suzanne Birrell adds to each piece. Her delicate strokes bring out the subtle hues of the dancers’ clothing and the natural warmth of the stone buildings surrounding them, elevating the photograph into a unique, multi-dimensional work of art.
Why Own "Tango & The Kid"?
When you purchase this one-of-a-kind print, you are not just buying a photograph; you are owning a piece of a larger story—Chuck Jones’ epic journey across Mexico, capturing the essence of life, love, and tradition before they disappear forever. You are investing in a moment of pure connection, where the sensuality of the tango meets the innocence of a child’s gaze.
This exclusive 1 of 1 edition is priced at $7,500, making it a rare treasure that will never be reproduced. As a collector, this is your chance to own a piece of Mexico’s cultural soul, a moment frozen in time by two artists—Chuck Jones, through his lens, and Suzanne Birrell, through her delicate watercolor toning.
Call to Action
By adding "Tango & The Kid" to your collection, you are not only acquiring a piece of art but also a part of Chuck and Suzanne’s journey to preserve Mexico’s disappearing traditions. This is a print that tells a story, one that will spark conversation and emotion in all who see it.
This moment is a celebration of love, passion, and innocence—a story that transcends time, culture, and place.