“The photographs of Ramón Masats are a profound, complex and elegant account of Spain and its people in cultural and political transition.
Gentle, empathetic and possessed of an eye for truly remarkable compositions, he found in photography a way to balance the ephemeral and the eternal.
As a poet of the human condition, he made pictures with the potential to resonate far beyond the borders of his country.” David Campany

The exhibition Unveiling Masats offers an immersive journey into the extraordinary photography of Ramón Masats, a trailblazing figure in Spanish documentary photography from the 1950s and 1960s. The exhibition’s key goal is to bring Masats’ work into the international spotlight, highlighting its exceptional quality and historical significance. Though Masats remains relatively unknown beyond Spain, it is time for his remarkable achievements to gain the global appreciation they truly merit.
Unveiling Masats will give audiences a deeper understanding of his unique artistry, showcasing his extraordinary photographs and shedding light on his critical contributions to photography and the broader art world. Beyond celebrating Masats’ artistic achievements, this exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the cultural and historical circumstances that shaped his work. Ramón Masats, born in 1931 in Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona, to a family of salted fish merchants, began his career in 1953 as a photojournalist. His work vividly captured the social and political landscapes of a transforming Spain during the Franco dictatorship. His images offer an unfiltered, empathetic look at the experiences of the Spanish people as they navigated a tumultuous period. Masats’ lens documented rural life, labor, festivities, religious traditions, and the urban environment, reflecting both the daily grind and moments of collective celebration. His photography not only showcased his mastery of visual storytelling but also played a key role in elevating photography as an art form in Spain. In 1965, Masats took a break from photography to explore filmmaking, returning in 1981 with a renewed focus on color photography. His career has since been marked by numerous accolades, including the National Photography Prize in 2004. His works have been exhibited in prominent institutions like the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and the Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno (IVAM). Additionally, Masats’ works are featured in the permanent collections of major Spanish cultural institutions, cementing his place as a pivotal figure in photography. Masats’ impact on photography is also evident in his influential photobooks. His 1962 publication “Neutral Corner” included text by acclaimed writer Ignacio Aldecoa, while his iconic “Los Sanfermines” (1963) offered a vivid portrayal of the San Fermín festival. His 1964 book “Viejas historias de Castilla la Vieja,” enriched by the writing of Miguel Delibes, is another standout in his career. More recently, his 2020 photobook “Visit Spain,” now in its third edition, offers a fresh view of mid-20th century Spain, with commentary by Chema Conesa.
Ramón Masats passed away in Madrid on March 4, 2024, at the age of 92, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to inspire the photography community.Alta and the Estate of Ramón Masats are proud to announce the forthcoming release of a comprehensive book on his work, due in 2025. Curated by the celebrated writer and curator David Campany, this volume will serve as the definitive exploration of Ramón Masats’ life and art.

About the Author

Ramón Masats, born on March 17, 1931, in Caldes de Montbui, a small town near Barcelona, Spain, became a key figure in shaping the direction of documentary photography in Spain during the 20th century.
His journey into the world of photography began in the early 1950s, marking the beginning of a distinguished career that spanned decades and established him as one of Spain’s most influential photographers.
Masats’ early work was defined by his sharp observational skills, capturing the essence of Spanish society with a raw, unfiltered honesty. His images from this period offer a vivid portrayal of life in Spain, focusing on rural communities, work and leisure activities, traditional festivals, and religious rituals, as well as urban environments and their cultural and spiritual dimensions.
This body of work not only highlighted his storytelling prowess through photography but also played a crucial role in integrating photography into Spain’s cultural landscape at the time.
In 1953, Masats began his career as a photojournalist, initially working in Barcelona before relocating to Madrid in the mid-1950s. His move to the capital coincided with a time of gradual change in Spain, even under the heavy hand of the Franco regime. During this era, Masats captured the human stories often overlooked, documenting the Spanish people’s struggle to reconnect with the outside world. His work was instrumental in ushering Spanish photography into the modern era.
One of his most iconic photographs, “Seminario, Madrid” from 1960, exemplifies his ability to elevate everyday moments into the extraordinary, using proportion and geometry to create powerful visual compositions. This image, among others, cemented his reputation as a master of photographic reportage.
Despite his success in the realm of photography, Masats took a break from the medium in 1965 to explore filmmaking and documentary production. He returned to photography in 1981 with a fresh focus on color, opening a new chapter in his artistic journey and allowing him to explore different aspects of visual narration.
Throughout his career, Masats published numerous books, and his works have been exhibited extensively, both in Spain and abroad. His contributions to photography have earned him various accolades, including Spain’s National Photography Prize in 2004. His work is housed in many of Spain’s most important collections, solidifying his role as a leading figure in both Catalan and Spanish photography.
Ramón Masats passed away on March 4, 2024, in Madrid at the age of 92, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire the photographic world.
His work stands as a testament to his extraordinary talent, innovative approach to documentary photography, and significant influence on the visual chronicling of Spanish life and culture.

Unveiling Masats: Ramón Masats
12 September – 21 December 2024
Galeria Alta – Andorra – Spain

More info:
https://www.galeriaalta.com/