Tijuana Perfumes

Historic photo colorized by Melvin Hale, Ph.D.

Titled "Tijuana Perfumes," this vibrant piece captures a nostalgic glimpse into a bustling urban street scene in mid-20th century Tijuana, Mexico. The artwork is a colorized photograph that breathes life into a black and white postcard from the 1940s, transforming it into a lively canvas that blends historic charm with vivid modernity. The scene majestically displays three prominent commercial buildings, each marked by distinctive architectural styles and eye-catching signage.

The artwork's left side features a two-story building with a sign proudly proclaiming, "The European Store, Importer," set against large, inviting windows. Yellow accents on its awnings pop, adding a lively hue to the streetscape. The central structure, painted in a warm yellow tone, is adorned with a mid-century style sign for a "Grocery Market," while a pink building can be seen partially in view on the right. Classic automobiles are parked along the street, contributing to the lively and bustling atmosphere synonymous with Tijuana’s historic streets.

A particularly striking element in this artwork is the signage above the Lliteras building on the corner. This enthralling display features a globe surrounded by a Saturn-like ring that repeats the word "Tabu," accompanied by four stars and clouds with inscriptions "Platino" and "20 Qulates." This unique sculptural element, crowned by the word "PERFUME," adds an intriguing and whimsical touch to the overall scene. The colorful signage, eclectic mix of architectural designs, and array of vintage cars collectively evoke a sense of nostalgic charm and historical allure, making "Tijuana Perfumes" a vibrant homage to a vibrant era.