Archives play a fundamental role in photography as a place of memory and knowledge production. They are not simply a collection of documents, but a dynamic system that preserves the past while influencing perceptions of the present and future. In this context, the archive goes beyond the simple role of passive storage; it determines what is considered important and, consequently, what is preserved, thus influencing the visibility and interpretation of history and identity.

The archive is never neutral: it is selective and shapes the narratives that emerge from it. They influence not only the images and events that are “preserved,” but also the way in which these images are perceived and situated in a historical context. Controlling the archive also means controlling knowledge and interpretation of the past, making archives places of power and control.

Furthermore, archives can become a critical tool, allowing us to question dominant narratives and develop alternative perspectives. In photography, it becomes a means of deconstruction, offering the possibility of questioning established truths and revealing invisible histories and forgotten memories. In contemporary photography, the archive thus becomes a dynamic space that does not merely preserve the past, but actively shapes the social and political discourses of our time.