Joan Colom's Raval Photographs Rediscovered in New York Exhibition
Between 1958 and 1961, Joan Colom documented the Raval district of Barcelona, known for its red-light activities, earning recognition prior to the release of Izas, Rabizas, Y Colipoterras in 1964, co-authored with novelist Camilo Jose Cela. The book, which features a mix of dark humor and Goya-like perspectives, angered the Franco regime, leading Colom to cease his photography work. Nonetheless, the registration of the book ensured it could not be banned. Rediscovered around 2003, the now 84-year-old Colom is experiencing a resurgence in Europe. From March 9 to April 29, 2006, a collection of his vintage prints is displayed at the Laurence Miller Gallery in New York. This review originally appeared in Gay City News on April 20-26, 2006.
Key facts
- Joan Colom photographed Barcelona's Raval district from 1958 to 1961.
- He published the book Izas, Rabizas, Y Colipoterras with Camilo Jose Cela in 1964.
- The Franco regime took offense, causing Colom to stop photographing.
- Publisher Editorial Lumen registered the book in Spain's Depósito Legal.
- Colom's work was rediscovered around 2003 and is enjoying a revival.
- A selection of vintage prints is exhibited at Laurence Miller Gallery in New York from March 9 to April 29, 2006.
- Catalonian scholar Josep Maria Casademont sees Colom's project as part of a post-WWII creative trend.
- Colom's work has been compared to Brassai's 1930s Paris photographs and contemporaries like Diane Arbus.
Entities
Artists
- Joan Colom
- Camilo Jose Cela
- Walker Evans
- Robert Frank
- Brassai
- Diane Arbus
- Peter Hujar
Institutions
- Laurence Miller Gallery
- Editorial Lumen
- Gay City News
Locations
- Barcelona
- Spain
- New York
- United States
- Paris
- France