Exhibition – Photography and Conflict in the first quarter of the Twentieth Century

Every year, Barcelona throws up an exhibition that, although given little advanced publicity, really captures the public’s imagination. This year, that exhibition has been Photography and Conflict in the first quarter of the Twentieth Century.

The exhibition, at the Arxiu Fotogràfic de Barcelona until 16th January, 2010, has special local significance because many of the early photographs in the collection are of burnt-out buildings in the city as a result of what has become known as La Setmana Tràgica – The Week of Tragedy.

Between July 25th and August 2nd, 1909, there was a horrendous series of clashes between the army and the rebellious elements of the working classes. During the week, many churches, convents and other religious sites were destroyed by rioters who considered that the Church was working hand in hand with the government. Many events were arranged in Barcelona to commemorate Setmana Tràgica, amongst them this exhibition of photographs.

In excess of 200 photographs are on display, representing a real history lesson about the development around the Via Laietana and the destruction of some of the older parts of the city that was needed to make the redevelopment possible. The images – mainly the work of local photographers Frederic Ballel, Adolf Mas and Enric Castellà – are both nostalgic and political, showing the evolution of Catalonian regionalism during the early twentieth century.

Students of photography will be enthralled by the combination of realistic, nostalgic and idealistic images that are contained in the collection.

Exhibition details

Photography and Conflict in the first quarter of the Twentieth Century, known in Catalan as 1909: fotografia, ciutat I conflicte, dins els actes de commemoració del centenary de la Setmana Tràgica is open to the public from 10 am until 7 pm daily except for Sundays.

The Arxiu Fotogràfic de Barcelona can be found on Plaça Pons I Clerch,2 – very close to the Chocolate Museum. It is due east of the Metro Station Juame 1 (Yellow Line, 4) walking along Carrer de la Princesa and a slightly shorter walk from Arc de Triomf station (Red Line,1) when it would be best to follow direction signs for the Picasso Museum, which will take you past the gallery.

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