A Tribute That Has Evolved
Since its first edition in 1999, the Biennial of Photography Xavier Miserachs has grown to become a reference event in Palafrugell. The festival, which was born as a small tribute to the life and work of Miserachs, a local photographer, has maintained its initial essence over the years, promoting the image as a form of artistic expression.
The Essence of the Biennale: A Space for Creativity
With a dedicated focus on the sharing and discovery of photography, the Biennale offers a wide spectrum of exhibitions that include works by established and emerging photographers. This year’s program, made up of only eleven exhibitions, allows an in-depth look at each show, avoiding the usual saturation at more massive festivals.
The Importance of Selection
The decision to limit the number of exhibits not only promotes the quality of the presentations, but also provides visitors with the opportunity to explore each work in depth. This is particularly relevant as attendees usually have little time to enjoy the festival.
Featured Exhibitions: A Journey through Image
Among the most notable exhibitions of this edition is ‘The desire for freedom’, which exhibits sixty photographs by Lee Miller. This exhibition reveals the many facets of a pioneering artist, recently rediscovered through an impressive archive that includes more than 70,000 negatives.
Rediscovering Lee Miller
Her son, Antony Penrose, shared that his mother, a key surrealist figure and war correspondent, captured crucial moments in history through the lens. His work, exhibited in the Espai de la Bòbila, is a window into his vibrant life.
A Tribute to Catalan Photography
Another outstanding exhibition is the one dedicated to Colita, one of the great Catalan photographers. His work, which covers themes such as the transition to Spain and gypsy culture, is presented as a tribute to his artistic contribution, especially significant after his recent disappearance.
Colita: A Visual Legacy
With a selection of photographs that reflect his love for Barcelona and his unique perspective on society, Colita has left an unforgettable mark on the world of photography.
The Mediterranean through the Objective
The Josep Pla Foundation hosts an exhibition by Toni Catany, which brings together images that capture the essence of the Mediterranean. His innovative technique, combined with fragments of Plan’s texts, offers a visual and literary experience that enriches the viewer.
The Relationship between Photography and Community
An installation in the Teatre Municipal Exhibition Hall presents an album of family images that recovers the graphic memory of the community. The photographs of the Roig Junyent family illustrate the daily life of a bourgeois family during their stay in Llafranc.
Portraits of Daily Life
In addition, a work by local photographer Lluís Català brings together portraits of residents, fostering the connection between the community and the festival. You can also see works that explore the human dimension of local commerce, providing a new perspective on daily life in Palafrugell.
A Festival that Looks to the Future
In addition to the exhibitions, the Biennale offers parallel activities such as conferences and screenings, encouraging dialogue and reflection on contemporary photography. With collaborations from organizations such as the Mapfre Foundation and the Vila Casas Foundation, the festival not only celebrates photography, but also builds a network of cultural support.
A Community that Unites
As the Biennale progresses, it becomes clear that its contribution to visual culture is undeniable. With a rich and varied program, this festival continues to be a vital space for artistic creation and reflection.
