Before the pandemic, I was invited to participate in the Photography Exhibition at FotoNostrum for the 14th Pollux and Julia Margaret Cameron Awards.  In JMCA I received Honorable Mention for both of my series in Black & White and Architecture, and won the Fine Art Series (Non-Professional) in the Pollux Awards. 

Opening night was an incredible event – many people came and even though there were the whispers of sickness, we spent the night celebrating the opportunity to be in Barcelona together and share in the creativity that was joined under one roof from all over the world.  I felt very much at home there – cycling to the gallery on my bicycle and ‘home’ again after saying the last goodbye at the end of the evening.  It wasn’t until a few days later that things started to change.  By the end of the following week, the gallery closed and rather than return to Moscow, I was on my way back to the States. 

When I see this photo now, I have a memory of when I took it – waiting for the ferry and watching for the shape of the bow to appear.  But I also remember that opening night – one spent with an impressive array of creativity.  Walking through the gallery, I was drawn immediately to a select few but circling round and again – on both floors – I found each time I went through, something different… something intriguing that I’d missed before. 

I can’t say we stepped away from that night unscathed.  The days that followed increased in severity and anyone watching the news knows how the numbers went from only a few impacted to a number that still seems astronomical.   I became sick – friends became sick – but somehow we made it to the otherside.  Cautiously perhaps – but still we’re pushing through and finding ways to ‘be’ in this changed place.

For me, it is with great pleasure that I’m able to say I’ve heard the gallery will be open again soon.  If you’re in Barcleona and have the opportunity to stop in, it’s definitely worth the visit.  You can also find videos of opening night and more information (hours, location) via the link below.