Colita, the benchmark in photojournalism who has captured historic moments in Barcelona, dies at the age of 83

The photographer Isabel Steva Hernández, artistically known by the pseudonym Colita, died this Sunday in Barcelona at the age of 83. A prominent figure in the field of photojournalism, particularly associated with the 'Gauche Divine' scene, he has captured crucial moments in the history of Barcelona. Recently, last October, she was awarded the Office of Journalist award, given by the College of Journalists, for her career and involvement in the feminist movement. Also linked to the 'Nova Cançó Catalana', she has collaborated throughout her career in publications such as Interviu, Fotogramas or Telexprés.

Colita began her self-taught career as a photographer in the early 1960s, at the height of Francoism and in a period in which artistic expression and journalism were the only weapons against censorship and opposition from the Church.

In his more than 40 years in the profession, he has held more than 40 exhibitions and published more than 30 books. His works are in such important collections as the National Museum of Art of Catalonia (MNAC) or the Museu Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Throughout his career he has been awarded several prizes such as the Artistic Merit Medal of the Barcelona City Council, the Sant Jordi Cross, the National Photography Award and the Fine Arts Gold Medal for his career, others.

Its portrait gallery with protagonists such as Gabriel García Márquez, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, Orson Welles and Carmen Amaya stands out. And he has left graphic documents of historical moments such as the closure of Montserrat, the death of Franco and various political demonstrations.

From the Government, the Minister of Culture, Natàlia Garriga, was shocked by the death of "one of the great photographers of our country". "Catalan culture owes him a lot, both for the quality of his work and for the representation we see of the Catalan cultural world: Gauche Divine, Nova Cançó and much more. A hug to the family," he added through from your X account.

For its part, the College of Journalists has also expressed through social networks its dismay at the death of Colita while remembering that only a day ago he collected the Journalist Office award.