Interpretation
Catalan photographer Joan Colom took this series of photographs between 1958 and 1964 during his excursions through Barcelona’s Raval neighborhood, known for its immigrant population, cabarets, and street prostitutes. They form part of his emblematic series Gente de la calle (People on the street), an avant-garde testimonial to Barcelona’s subcultures. Not wanting to be seen while taking the photographs, Colom carried his camera at his waist, hanging from a shoulder strap. The resulting works point to two central aspects of documentary photography: the questions of hierarchy and agency implicit in the relationship between the camera and its subject and the relationship between photography and eroticism. In 1964, Colom’s book Izas, rabizas y colipoterras (Whores, hookers, and courtesans), which focuses on prostitution, caused a scandal when two of the photographed women threatened to take Colom to court.
Information
- Title
- Fiesta Mayor
- Object Number
- L.2013.55.4
- Maker
- Joan Colom
- Medium
- Gelatin silver print
- Dates
- 1960
- Dimensions
- 40 x 30 cm
- Credit Line
- Collection Foto Colectania Foundation, Barcelona (Núm reg. 189)
Feedback
The Museum regularly researches its objects and their collecting histories, updating its records to reflect new information. We also strive to catalogue works of art using language that is consistent with how people, subjects, artists, and cultures describe themselves. As this effort is ongoing, the Museum’s records may be incomplete or contain terms that are no longer acceptable. We welcome your feedback, questions, and additional information that you feel may be useful to us. Email us at collectionsinfo@princeton.edu.
Want to use an image from the Museum's collections? Review our image use and access policies.