Throughout his entire career, Madrid-based photographer Luis Baylón dedicated himself to capturing reality in its most natural form, without composing or modifying scenes. His approach focused on photographing people exactly as they are and as they present themselves to the world, rather than how the photographer might wish them to be. This authentic vision has now been compiled into his first French publication, "Les Espagnols," released by Éditions Delpire & Co.
Baylón's photographic journey began at age 26 when his father gifted him a Rolleiflex camera that would become his constant companion. With this instrument, he captured candid moments of children, beggars, prostitutes, and marginalized individuals living on society's edges. His keen eye also documented stray dogs and cats, street musicians, fleeting lovers, and countless other subjects that revealed the authentic character of Spanish life.
Quico Rivas, a close friend of the photographer, described the "Baylón recipe" as a unique combination of "great sincerity, a bit of cunning, a certain boldness, and excellent reflexes." This distinctive approach allowed Baylón to capture spontaneous moments with remarkable precision and sensitivity. His work spans over three decades, documenting the essence of Spanish society through an unfiltered lens.
The new book presents a carefully curated selection of black and white images taken between 1982 and 2014 across various Spanish cities. While Madrid serves as the primary focus, the collection also includes photographs from Barcelona, Benidorm, Murcia, Valencia, and Zamora. These images collectively paint a comprehensive portrait of Spanish life across different regions and social strata.
The publication features accompanying texts by novelist Andrés Barba and renowned photographer Bernard Plossu, both close associates of Baylón. Their contributions provide personal testimonies about the photographer's unique approach and singular vision. These essays offer readers deeper insight into Baylón's artistic process and the relationships that shaped his work throughout his career.
By capturing the essence of the Spanish people, Baylón's work joins the prestigious lineage of Delpire editions' celebrated collection. This series includes iconic publications such as Robert Frank's "The Americans" (1958), Bruno Barbey's "The Italians" (2022), and Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martin Parr's "The English" (2023). The inclusion of Baylón's work in this distinguished series underscores the international significance of his contribution to documentary photography.
The book "Luis Baylón: Les Espagnols" is published in French format, measuring 21 x 18.5 cm. The hardcover edition features cloth binding with a dust jacket and contains 184 pages showcasing 91 black and white images. It is available for 42 euros with ISBN 979-10-95821-79-3 through Delpire & Co's official website at http://www.delpireandco.com.
