Madrid in the Fog
"Light breaks where no sun shines". Dylan Tomas
This phrase summarizes the leitmotif of the series Madrid in the Fog, and at the same time displays Gonzalo Ortiz’s constant strive to define variations of light.
The series is a result of an experimental project using infrared reels. This led the artist to search fog-lit urban landscapes and delve in the transformative mirages that the settings provided.
The photos that make up this series are the result of different approaches and circumstances. At times, a friendly hand opening a door to the rooftop of one of the tallest buildings in central Madrid, provided skyline images: the San Miguel Church Basílica reigning over a blanket-covered city of shamed buildings or the unusual view of the Puerta del Sol presided by the iconic Tio Pepe sign instead of the predictable clock. Other times, they are a product of a happy coincidence, when unexpected fog would appear out of nowhere in an obscure corner of the city. But many images required long hours of waiting over the lapse of several winters; watching for the fog to filter in and create the sought out lighting on the appropriate stage. Fruit of this patience are images such as the Fountain of Plaza de España, where a hazy pearl necklace encompasses a figure’s tribute to the night.
A lot of field work, but also long hours in the laboratory perfecting the black and white film development process were involved. Untouched, pure, virgin, timeless. The refinement of this handmade printing on barite paper technique makes the large format production perfect for this work.
Only the fortunate fusion of this artisanal technique, so carefully executed, together with the chosen theme, make it possible to capture the infinite scales of gray Madrid in the fog. This series offers the spectator a unique vision, a magically realistic experience, an intimate address as well as a collective overview of Spain’s capital.
Paraphrasing Virginia Woolf, let us enjoy being those silhouettes, addled specters, combing the foggy streets of a timeless Madrid.
Text: Arantxa Royo/ Translation : Ani Flys
