Elchicodel13 gathers a circle of friends united by photography and a shared curiosity for storytelling through imagery. Sam Molina, Diego Jamón, and Sento MM work together to bring a vision to life this Saturday at 19:00 with a special exhibition at Club INFORMACIÓN. The creators describe the show as an immersive journey designed to pull viewers into another space, inviting them to feel the weight of war and the emotional resonance it carries. The aim is to convey feelings of helplessness, surrender, pain, and the daily concerns of those touched by conflict, as explained by the artists themselves.
The project rests on a carefully staged body of work, consisting of about thirty photographs that draw on dystopian themes while acknowledging historical conflicts from the 1940s. The display is enriched by some of the original sets and environments used during the shoots, offering audiences a tangible glimpse of the atmosphere that shaped the images.
Centered on the book titled Catharsis, the collection is presented alongside a visual sample of the work. The collaboration between Elchicodel13 and the team is evident in the meticulous presentation, treating the book and photographs as a unified experience. The pairing of a distinct visual language with a reflective concept elevates the show beyond a simple display; it becomes a meditation on memory and perception. The artists emphasize that the photography foregrounds a central figure, a woman confronting the realities of war, with lighting and realism drawing viewers into the scene and prompting contemplation on courage and vulnerability during conflict.
The spark for the project originated from a visit to an air raid shelter in Alicante, an encounter that inspired Sam Molina’s father to suggest capturing and sharing the moment. What began as a memory exercise evolved into a visual narrative crafted in underground bunkers such as Seneca, Balmis, and Las Cigarreras. Collaboration with Pablo Rosser, head of the Alicante Historical Memory department, helped shape the historical context and lend authenticity to the scenes. The result is a body of work where documentary elements intertwine with artistic expression to illuminate the human dimension of war.
The exhibition scene includes a display at BİLGİ Club, another venue hosting the same project, underscoring the ensemble’s commitment to making the work broadly accessible. The curators and artists explore the visual language by blending historical references with contemporary interpretation, inviting viewers to connect past conflicts with present-day sensibilities. The artistic approach stays rooted in Caravaggio-inspired contrasts and the poetic voice of Miguel Hernández, while maintaining a modern lens on the photographic narrative. The collaboration also introduces a flamenco-flavored sequence, tracing a path from a poetic homage to the Oriolano poet into a broader series that weaves personal reflections and social commentary into the storytelling fabric. Friends and acquaintances participate as actors, expanding the cast as the project grows, with material continually added to support the narrative arc of the collection.
The creators explain that Catharsis is more than a depiction of war. It is an exploration of inner battles and the invisible scars carried by individuals. The project aims to offer a sense of release and a fresh perspective, breathing new life into the idea of memory and personal resonance. Through light, composition, and mood, the series invites viewers to confront difficult questions about resilience, empathy, and the true cost of conflict while leaving space for personal interpretation and emotion.
The show also features a related publication, a photo book that includes poems by Enrique Morte. A crowdfunding effort made it possible to publish this companion volume, with proceeds directed to the Miguel Hernández Friends Association. The exhibition presents the book and live performances with a suite of musical surprises, creating an interdisciplinary experience that broadens the emotional reach of the project. The creators emphasize that every element—from imagery to sound to the printed page—works together to communicate themes of memory, perseverance, and the human condition in the face of adversity.
Participation in the exhibition is limited by quota, with free entry inviting community members and visitors to engage with the material at their own pace. The exhibition remains open through January 12, providing ample time for audiences to experience the evolving installation, reflect on the layers of meaning, and witness how the artists translate historical memory into a living, contemporary dialogue. This is a chance to observe how a group of friends channels their shared passion into a powerful, multi-sensory narrative that resonates across generations and borders, inviting viewers to consider the costs and consequences of conflict while recognizing the enduring importance of memory and art as a conduit for understanding. [Citation: Exhibition materials and program notes]