Who? Leopoldo Pomés. What? An exhibition of Pomés’ vintage photographs of Barcelona taken between 1947 and 1969...
Who? Leopoldo Pomés.
What? An exhibition of Pomés’ vintage photographs of Barcelona taken between 1947 and 1969.
Why? Born in Barcelona in 1931, Pomés is a self-taught photographer whose work has received much critical acclaim in his native Spain. Exhibited in the UK for the first time, his images show a post-war Barcelona in a state of flux. Using only natural light and shadow, Pomés’ images reflect the feeling, atmosphere and rhythm of this captivating city with a great attention to detail. As well as capturing the streets of his home, he also shot portraits of many of the important artists and writers living there at the time, in particular members of the Dau-al-Set.
Most intriguing of all, Pomés’ 1958 vintage photographs of bullfights will also be on show after being hidden away for nearly 40 years. His first assignment as a photographer, these images were commissioned to illustrate a book about bullfighting written by Ernest Hemingway. Recording and documenting this Spanish tradition, Pomés’ images successfully embody the drama and vigour of the sport, without condoning or celebrating it. Hemingway died before completing the book so until now these images have remained unseen until now.
When? Leopoldo Pomés – Vintage Prints runs 9 December 2010 – 22 January 2011 at the Michael Hoppen Gallery, London.
Text by Lucia Davies
