A few days ago the remarkable exhibition Enfocades was inaugurated at Casa Elizalde. It was an event consistent with some relevant facts: the Barcelona headquarters in 1839 of the first photography in Spain and the commemoration of the first centenary of the Photographic Association of Catalonia.
Within this general framework, it deserves to be highlighted that this exhibition is monographic and is dedicated to nine historical photographers of the Group.
Justice is thus given to the creation of Feminal in 1924, just one year after the foundation of this artistic entity, to welcome the members who recognized themselves attracted by photography and its practice.
The name chosen was indicative of the singularity sought: the same of the magazine that had emerged earlier thanks to the dynamism and combativeness of Carme Karr, a pioneer of Barcelona feminism.
The initiative of these young photographers did not take root, despite the good reception they had received.
This gesture was not forgotten. The proof was that it was repeated in 1956.
Salvador Lluch promoted increasing the female presence; in the weekly gathering organized with them, the name Grup Femení emerged, which became a pioneering event in Spain.
It goes without saying that the atmosphere created over time by repressive practices and customs towards women made it difficult for them to avoid social and, of course, cultural segregation.
At the Agrupació Fotogràfica de Catalunya they found from the first moment a most conducive atmosphere, at the same time as an innovative and stimulating counterpoint for the rest of the associates. The proof was that after the specialized courses and the exchange of ideas the results became immediate and encouraging: they were accepted in relevant collective exhibitions and distinguished with several prizes. Without forgetting to emphasize the fact that the atmosphere of the time was not yet the most propitious.
The nurtured set of works by nine photographers that is exhibited (until May 13) at Casa Elizalde is a prominent event this year; it deserves to be visited.
The next ones will be at the Photographic Archive of Barcelona and then at the headquarters of the Agrupació Fotogràfica de Catalunya, which will be inaugurated on the same day as the centenary celebration.