Australian photographer and writer Pepe Calvo, a collaborator with the Arte y Letras supplement of this newspaper, presents a new talk in the PhotoSoul series about the great photographers of history at the UA Alicante headquarters. The session continues the cycle by spotlighting a pivotal figure in visual storytelling and documentary work in the United States.
The American photographer Dorothea Lange is the chosen author for this session, which takes place on Thursday, March 21, at 7:30 PM in Rafael Altamira hall at the City Campus of the UA in Alicante (Ramón y Cajal, 4). The event invites attendees to explore Lange’s enduring impact on documentary photography and social awareness through a carefully curated presentation and discussion.
The Protagonist
Dorothea Lange (1895-1965) is recognized in the history of photography as one of the great women who paved the way for documentary practice. Her work emerged from a clear sense of purpose and a insistence on human dignity, capturing critical moments that marked the United States. Lange’s images, born from a rigorous eye and a compassionate stance, documented the era of the Great Depression and the many forces shaping American life. Her photography transported scenes of struggle, displacement, and resilience into public consciousness, challenging established norms by focusing on the everyday realities of marginalized communities. Lange’s legacy rests on the power of visual testimony to illuminate social conditions and spark dialogue about national priorities and policy decisions.
Her body of work offers a precise and nuanced historical perspective, revealing a sustained commitment to justice through compelling visuals that have become essential records for North American journalism. The photographs carry a lasting impression of the era’s hardships and the human responses to economic and social upheaval, creating a lasting archive of moments that defined a generation.
The reflections offered by Calvo emphasize Lange’s enduring influence as a pioneer in documentary practice. Her photographs continue to inform contemporary discussions about ethics in image-making, representation, and the responsibilities of photographers to their subjects. Lange’s contributions stand as a testament to the role of documentary photography in documenting truth and shaping public perception during times of crisis.
The Cycle
This cycle aims to bring audiences closer to some of the most prominent creators in the field of imagery through a talk and dialogue format. It highlights both men and women who helped shape the history of photography. During each session, a short video showcases the protagonist’s most notable work—approximately 50 images—followed by an interactive discussion with attendees. The format invites questions, reflections, and a sharing of perspectives in a relaxed setting that encourages curiosity and critical thinking. The program seeks to offer a broader understanding of how photographers have influenced visual culture and the way stories are told in pictures.
Participants will gain insights into the collaboration between photographers, historians, and audiences, exploring how a single image can reveal structural pressures, social climates, and moments of transformation. The discussions also touch on the evolving role of documentary practice in a media landscape shaped by rapid technological change, shifting audiences, and new storytelling tools. The cycle invites everyone to consider how photography communicates complex social realities and how these images continue to resonate across generations.