Steve McCurry Explores the Hidden Gems of Barcelona
Having long inspired artists and lovers alike, Barcelona is one great city. A celebration of the finer things in life, it’s an expression of spirit, romance, heritage and fun. 27 million people visited Barcelona in 2018, all in search of the colorful fiestas, delectable cuisine, age-defining art, music, dance and sport for which the city is so famous. But one person came looking for much, much more.
No stranger to the Catalonian capital, Steve McCurry’s eagle eyes were ready to seek out the underbelly of Barcelona. His goal? To observe – and capture – the rich tapestry of life
The human spirit is what McCurry sought.
“I am fascinated with all kinds of human behavior. I’d love to do a book on people playing, people working, festivals, couples… The universal activities, you know?” he says. Softly spoken, his speech is a semi-stream of consciousness, floating in from one subject to the next. “I want to do things that inspire me, that I feel enrich my life, that take me on a journey that’s going to be satisfying.”
And satisfied is exactly what we are when seeing the superb images the trip produced, from the fiery street parades to the couples strolling hand-in-hand. The majestic “castellers” are caught right in the moment – a mixture of pride and fear on their faces. The street performers, valiantly trying to make their living, or the lovers, locked in their bubble of togetherness; everything is there, elegantly told. Steve is a true master of his craft; his Barcelona is one of precision and panache – and won’t be easily forgotten.
Capturing the Authentic Beauty of the World
Steve McCurry needs no introduction. He is most probably the greatest living photographer today. His iconic “Afghan Girl” image has captured the hearts and minds of thousands – the eloquence of her haunted expression, telling the world of her fate through her vivid green eyes – is simply stupendous.
So, when considering our new direction, Steve was a natural choice for us. He is a born storyteller with the soul of an explorer. His unique ability to capture what is left of the authentic beauty and truth in the world and express it with clarity and emotion is just brilliant. A McCurry image not only takes you on a journey, it inspires you to travel the world.
More about Steve
Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than 30 years. His work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture alike – yet always retains the human element that made his celebrated image of the Afghan Girl such a powerful image.
McCurry has been recognized with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal, the National Press Photographers Award, and four first prize awards from the World Press Photo contest.
