Introduction
Angelita Casals, a distinguished Dominican photographer, has skillfully captured the vibrant essence of Barcelona through her lens. Her recent exhibition, Mientras lo viví, offers a profound glimpse into the city’s spirit during her residence from 2021 to 2023.
Early Life and Connection to Barcelona
Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, Casals’s bond with Barcelona is deeply personal. Her grandfather, Francisco Casals Bosch, was the son of a Catalan immigrant, establishing familial ties to the city. This connection was further solidified through her marriage to a Catalan native. Casals first encountered Barcelona in the early 1970s, witnessing its transformation over the decades, notably after the 1992 Olympics. Acento+3Periódico elCaribe+3Reporte Extra+3Periódico elCaribe+3Acento+3Reporte Extra+3
Mientras lo viví: A Visual Chronicle
The exhibition Mientras lo viví comprises 22 photographs taken during Casals’s two-year stay in Barcelona. Displayed at Residenza in Santo Domingo as part of the Photoimagen 2024 biennial, the collection encapsulates the city’s optimism and joy. Casals describes the exhibition as “pinceladas de todo lo que vi durante ese período,” reflecting her intimate experiences and observations. Periódico elCaribe+3Acento+3Periódico elCaribe+3Periódico elCaribe+3Periódico elCaribe+3Reporte Extra+3
Artistic Philosophy and Style
Casals views photography as a divine gift that has brought her immense satisfaction, particularly through the affection of her audience. She emphasizes the importance of creativity, the ability to dream, and the imagination to create images and universes. Her preferred subjects include urban landscapes and street portraits, often utilizing natural light to convey authenticity. Casals believes in establishing a connection with her subjects, stating, “A la primera mirada, nos enamoramos. Así se nota en las tomas: si no hay empatía, no hay fotografía.” Periódico elCaribe+2Periódico elCaribe+2Acento+2
Accolades and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Casals has received numerous awards, underscoring her impact on the photographic arts. In 2015, she secured the Premio de Fotografía at the XXVII Bienal de Artes Visuales del Museo de Arte Moderno in Santo Domingo. Four years later, she was honored with the Pollux and Julia Cameron awards by The Gala Awards organization. During the pandemic, Casals participated in the virtual exhibition Mascarilla COVID-19, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to her craft. Acento+4Periódico elCaribe+4Periódico elCaribe+4
Conclusion
Angelita Casals’s work serves as a bridge between cultures, capturing the essence of Barcelona through a lens enriched by her Dominican heritage. Her dedication to portraying hope and resilience resonates universally, making her a significant figure in contemporary photography.
