Most things bad or sordid are so often so unfairly linked with the term 'China Town'. I often wonder what idiot and since when started that off? 76 original and unedited photos by the famous photographer Joan Colom (Barcelona 1921), depicting the period of the 50's to 60's, with the exclusive theme of prostitution, prostitutes and clients in the 'China District' of Barcelona, are now in an exhibition.
Half hidden, crouching in semi-darkness and without sufficient time to focus the objectives of the camera, Joan Colom hunted furtive looks of the ladies of the night, leaning on street walls or lamp-posts of the Barrio chino (China District). His portraits and images are so physical and palpable that seem coming out of some film sequence of the 'neorrealismo italiano' (A cinematographic movement emerged in postwar Italy, whose principal representatives were Roberto Rossellini, Luchino Visconti and Vittorio de Sica). Ah, de Sica, indeed a memorable figure.
Semi-naked or with skirts that didn't dissimulate the exaggerated feminine curves, fans impatiently agitated, high-heels, expressions seductive or provocative, even tiredness ...; the slip of a hand, the lewd and critical looks of clients selecting their prey ... That dark world in classical black & white, illustrated the book of photography, each picture framed and presented with elegance, with explanatory text. The exhibition was presented officially yesterday in the Fundacion Foto Colectana, the gallery, the entire collection a gift from the the author in 1973, now for public viewing until the 27th of October.
Irene de Mendoza, commissioner, coordinator of the project, emphasized that it's not a mere catalogue, but the original signed theme work of Colom, a valuable legacy. The collection would also be distributed in the US, Latino America, and Europe.
Location: Fundacion Foto Colectana, Julian Romeca 6, Barcelona
Price of book: €39
