Manel Esclusa's nocturnal Barcelona

The Barcelona Photographic Archive inaugurates its renovated exhibition hall with the exhibition Manel Esclusa. The forms that move existence, which includes two emblematic series of the photographer: Barcelona, imagined city and Sea of showcases, series created between the late 80s and early 90s, at a time of urban and cultural transformation of the city.

These images were initially presented at the Palau de la Virreina in 1988 and 1992, respectively, and today form part of the Barcelona Photographic Archive, thus becoming part of the city's photographic heritage. The Barcelona City Council commissioned these works with the intention of documenting a city in full change, but Esclusa went beyond the documentary part, constructing a visual story full of contrasts, mystery and poetry.

Barcelona, ciutat imaginada, Manel Esclusa (1998). Arxiu Fotogràfic de Barcelona © Manel Esclusa, VEGAP, Barcelona, 2025

Barcelona, an imagined city transports us to a different city, a Barcelona that can only be seen at night. With a total of 54 black and white photographs, the photographer traveled through the city's 10 districts capturing public spaces, exploring the city at night and experimenting with the relationship between light, shadow and movement. The effect is hypnotic: diffuse shapes, spectral figures and a city that seems to float in a dream.

On the other hand, Mar de vitrines is a series of five large-format black and white photographs taken at the Museu Marítim de Barcelona, included in the exhibition project Musa Museu. Contemporary photographers in the museums of Barcelona, which was part of the Primavera Fotogràfica 1992. This exhibition brought together the vision of several photographers on the city's museums, consolidating photography as an artistic discipline within the museum. In this work, Esclusa continues to explore light and darkness intensely, playing with the reflections that emerge from them.

Mar de vitrines II, Manel Esclusa (1992). Arxiu Fotogràfic de Barcelona © Manel Esclusa, VEGAP, Barcelona, 2027

The exhibition, which can be visited until September 28, respects the original form of presentation of the photographs, with ten large-format images mounted on wood, without glass, to enhance their visual impact. In addition, the exhibition includes a selection of bibliographical and graphic material that allows us to delve deeper into the context of the work and the author's career. A career marked by constant research and experimentation. Despite starting out in commercial photography, Esclusa ended up finding his voice in artistic exploration, where his fascination with the night, shadows and textures has given rise to a very personal style.

Mar de vitrines IV, Manel Esclusa (1992). Arxiu Fotogràfic de Barcelona © Manel Esclusa, VEGAP, Barcelona, 2027