Description
Joan Andreu Puig Farran: A Turbulent Decade 1924–1936
Book Summary
This catalog, published by Fundación MAPFRE, accompanies the first monographic exhibition dedicated to photographer Joan Andreu Puig Farran. The work offers a visual and historical journey through the period between 1929 and 1939, capturing the transformation of Barcelona and key events in a turbulent Spain. Through unpublished photographs, the reader will discover the gaze of an exceptional witness who documented everything from daily life to the horrors of the Civil War, offering a unique perspective on modernity and its contradictions.
What is it about?
The catalog explores the work of Joan Andreu Puig Farran, a photographer who recorded one of the most transformative decades in Spanish history with his camera. The publication is structured around the major milestones that defined his work: the economic crisis of 1929, the proclamation of the Second Republic in 1931, and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1936. Special attention is paid to the urban transformation of Barcelona, the photographer's collaboration with Antoni Campañà, and his experiences during the war and subsequent exile. The result is a visual document that combines social chronicle, political activity, and personal testimony, presenting images that remained unpublished until now.
Main themes
- Documentary and auteur photography in the first half of the 20th century.
- Urban transformation and modernization of Barcelona (1924–1936).
- Visual chronicle of the Second Republic and the Spanish Civil War.
- Republican exile and historical memory through images.
- Artistic collaboration between Joan Andreu Puig Farran and Antoni Campañà.
Who is it recommended for?
This catalog is aimed at lovers of historical photography interested in photojournalism and the evolution of visual language. It is also of great value to historians, students, and any reader passionate about the contemporary history of Spain, especially the period of the Second Republic and the Civil War. Furthermore, it is a reference work for collectors and professionals seeking a rigorous analysis of a key photographer in the Catalan context.
What this book offers
- Access to an unpublished photographic archive of great historical and artistic value.
- A multifaceted vision of a turbulent Spain, from urban modernization to armed conflict.
- A contextualized analysis that allows for an understanding of Puig Farran's work within its era.
- A collector's piece with exhaustive research and careful editorial design.
Technical specifications
- Author: Arnau González i Vilalta and Monné Campa
- Publisher: Fundación MAPFRE
- Language: Catalan
- Topic: Exhibition and specific collection catalogs, Photographers, Photographs: collections, Biography: general, History of Spain
- Collection: Exhibition catalog
- Publication date: June 2025
- Number of pages: 208
- Weight: 717 g
Editorial review
This publication represents a significant contribution to the study of 20th-century Spanish photography. By recovering the figure of Joan Andreu Puig Farran, the work fills a gap in the visual knowledge of a crucial era. Its approach, which intertwines artistic evolution with historical context, makes it a valuable resource for both the researcher and the history enthusiast. It is a catalog that transcends its exhibition function to become a document for reference and enjoyment, ideal for those seeking an authentic and direct look at the past.