Each summer, Madrid becomes a reference event for the world of visual arts and photography. With exhibitions in the main museums, halls and art galleries, as well as diverse activities related to the chosen theme each year, PHotoESPAÑA offers the possibility to discover the latest tendencies in photographic art as well as the latest projects by the most internationally renowned artists. The 26th edition will be held from 31 May to 3 September 2023, hosting 96 exhibitions by 303 photographers and visual artists.
PHotoESPAÑA offers the possibility to discover the latest tendencies in photographic art as well as the latest projects by the most internationally renowned artists. Its first edition was held in June 1998 with the main objective of giving photography a relevant place in public institutions and raising awareness of the work of galleries.
Diverse venues around Madrid will host the activities of this latest edition, such as the Círculo de Bellas Artes, ICO Museum, Lázaro Galdiano Museum, Cerralbo Museum, Royal Botanical Garden, Canal de Isabel II of the Region of Madrid Exhibition Hall, Museum of Romanticism and CentroCentro, among many others.
As usual, the programme is divided into two sections: the Official Section and the Off Festival, awarding different prizes to recognise the work of some of the participating artists. Numerous museums and exhibition halls take part in these sections in order to boost the promotion and development of the photographic market.
The 2023 edition brings together 96 exhibitions with pieces by 303 photographers and visual artists addressing three key questions in today’s society. Art, the environment and gender are this year’s main themes which will act as the driving thread of the main exhibitions. The environment and conservation of the planet are the main theme in solo exhibitions by great photographers, such as Edward Burtynsky, José Manuel Ballester or Bleda and Rosa and in a joint exhibition by photographers from the Arab Documentary Photography Program. The work of three photographers who challenged gender roles in the 19th century and called for greater visibility of women: Alice Austen, Marie Høeg and Bolette Berg, will be highlighted.
Image Credits:
- Berg & Høeg. Bolette with a moustache. From 1895-1903. © Preus Museum Collection
- Amira Kadous, from the White Gold series, 2020 © Amira Kadous
- Lucien Clergue. Pablo Picasso and the taxi driver at Nice Airport. Nice, 20 August 1965 © Atelier Lucien Clergue © Succesión Pablo Picasso, VEGAP, Madrid
- Marina Abramović. Seven Deaths video still, 2021 © Marina Abramović, Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives, Vegap, Madrid, 2023
See the festival’s full programme and venues
photoespana.jpg
