Social photography comes to Elche and Madrid through PhotoEspaña
The Madrid Fine Arts Circle opened the photography exhibition Focus on the heart to change the world, an initiative led by the Esperanza Pertusa Elche Foundation and affiliated with PhotoEspaña, with the support of the Elche City Council Cultural Department. The event marks a concerted effort to elevate documentary photography as a catalyst for social awareness and action, inviting audiences in Canada, the United States, and beyond to reflect on critical issues through a visual lens.
The exhibition gathers work that earned recognition in the first Esperanza Pertusa International Photography Award, an initiative designed to highlight images that challenge viewers to discover new realities, think deeply, and feel more connected to the human condition. It rests on a simple yet powerful premise: seeing is the first step toward transformation. By repeatedly examining the world through a compassionate, curious gaze, viewers are encouraged to respond with informed empathy and concrete action. A month after its debut in Elche, the show traveled to Madrid as part of the PhotoEspaña festival, extending its reach to a broader international audience.
The showcased collection spans 16 pieces by a diverse group of photographers, including Ana Palacios, the inaugural Esperanza Pertusa awardee who also earned two additional second prizes, as well as Fernando Iglesias and Pedro Lodono among others. The works address pressing social themes such as poverty, social exclusion, and gender equality, offering intimate portrayals that invite viewers to consider the conditions facing marginalized communities. The range of perspectives and styles emphasizes how photography can illuminate human stories while sparking conversation about accountability and change.
Selected works aim to awaken conscience and inspire positive social transformation, encouraging viewers to move from observation to action. The curator notes that the photographers choose to observe with purpose, turning their gaze into a form of art that communicates truth without sensationalism. The foundation’s leadership echoes this sentiment, highlighting the power of visual storytelling to mobilize communities and foster solidarity among diverse audiences, including those in North America who seek meaningful cultural experiences abroad.
Social photography comes to Elche thanks to PhotoEspaña
The event featured notable participants including Margaret Antony, a member of the Cultural Council; Valerio Rocco, director of the Círculo de Bellas Artes; PhotoEspaña’s general coordinator, María Pallás; and the exhibition’s curator, Gertrud Gómez. Their perspectives underscored a collective commitment to using photography as a vehicle for equity and dignity, values that resonate with audiences in Canada and the United States who champion inclusive storytelling and ethical representation.
“The Esperanza Pertusa Foundation has long championed efforts to reduce inequality and dissolve the invisible barriers that separate the most disadvantaged from the rest of society,” Antony commented. “The exhibition showcases photographers who approach these truths with optimism and an eye for beauty, proving that powerful imagery can accompany real social progress.”
The mayor of Elche took the moment to recognize the winners and all participants for their sensitivity in handling delicate and authentic issues in varied ways, acknowledging that their work helps restore dignity through honest depiction. The exhibition invites viewers to consider how art can legitimize experiences often overlooked and to reflect on concrete steps that communities can take to improve lives. The project remains open for public viewing through October 23 at the Minerva room of Madrid’s Círculo de Bellas Artes, inviting curious visitors from North America to experience a cross-cultural conversation about humanity, resilience, and hope.