By Santiago Carneri
Copyright euroweeklynews
This autumn, the towns of Javea and Denia will become a haven for photography and visual arts enthusiasts, as Brazil is celebrated as the guest country of the XIV edition of the Ojos Rojos Photography Festival. From October 24 to November 30, the streets, galleries and cultural spaces will host a rich tapestry of exhibitions, talks and workshops, bringing together some of the most exciting voices in contemporary photography.
Among the highlights are solo exhibitions by Brazilian photographer Luisa Dorr, Luis Asin and Gloria Oyarzabal, alongside collaborative shows from Palmira Puig & Marcel Giro. Visitors will also discover the poetic series “When Turtles Sleep” by Susana Galbis, as well as striking visual narratives by Marcos Aviles, Julian Zuazo, Jose Miguel Cerezo and the innovative Fosfografias of Rafael Pablos and Cesar Blasco.
The festival is not only about viewing art – it is an invitation to dialogue. Renowned photographers and creators will lead a series of engaging talks. Toni Ricart, the nephew and artistic executor of Puig and Giro, will discuss La Mirada Moderna, exploring the modern gaze and the enduring legacy of these Brazilian artists. Gloria Oyarzabal will challenge audiences to reflect on Unlearning the Colonial Gaze, a meditation on responsibility, memory and collective imagination. Meanwhile, Javier Lopez Benito and Jose Miguel Cerezo will explore visual storytelling and experimental documentary practices, blending reality and fiction through photography.
Photography meets innovation: From Daguerreotypes to AI
Innovation is also at the forefront, with Fernando Puche leading a talk on Things We No Longer Need (Photography & AI) and participating in a roundtable discussion alongside experts in AI and multidisciplinary photography. This dialogue promises to examine the intersection of technology and creativity in contemporary visual culture.
For those eager to experience photography hands-on, the festival will host a daguerreotype workshop on November 9, demonstrating traditional techniques from Daguerre, Niepce, Fizeau and Becquerel. Spaces are limited to six participants, offering an intimate encounter with this historic photographic process.
Intimate portraits and global stories
Another highlight is the Spanish premiere of the documentary Yo y la que fui, directed by Constanza Niscovolos. The film offers an intimate portrait of acclaimed Argentine photographer Adriana Lestido, revealing her exploration of themes such as captivity, motherhood and marginality. The screening will take place at Cine Jayan in Javea on November 9, following the award ceremony for the AFX Photography Rally.
The Ojos Rojos Festival invites creators and audiences alike to immerse themselves in a celebration of photography that transcends borders, blending Brazilian flair with local Spanish culture. Whether through exhibitions, workshops or talks, this festival promises to be a feast for the eyes and the imagination – a must for anyone passionate about the art of seeing.