LUIS FRANKE
FOUR FIAP MASTERS
Four photographers who, in 2014, received the title of Master of the International Federation of Photographic Art, MFIAP—its highest photographic distinction—joined forces six years later to create this exhibition. Portraiture is the common theme they use in this show, each with their own unique and distinct style. The images allow us to delve into the work of these artists who convey their way of seeing and observing through the camera. In some cases, they show us inspiring and evocative portraits of moments experienced during impressive journeys, and in other cases, they present meticulously crafted studio portraits.
Gràcia de la Hoz presents her portraits of everyday people, shaped with studio lighting.
Javier Fernández Ferreras contributes his portraits taken in 2019 during the Khumb Mela celebration in Allahabad (India), the world's largest religious gathering, where 100 million pilgrims meet on the banks of the Ganges every three years in four sacred cities of the Hindu religion.
Luis Alberto Franke showcases portraits with traditional Omani attire: women in colorful dresses and headscarves, and men in turbans and collarless robes.
Frederic Garrido Vilajuana offers portraits that are a symbolic representation of color paired with a timeless gaze.
Gràcia de la Hoz
Based in Reus. She has a long photographic career in which she has earned numerous awards and served as a judge in various national and international salons. Her work has been published in various media and held in museum collections. She has also taught photographic training courses.
She began working in black and white photography but currently works in color. Her images range from portraits and landscapes to still life compositions.
She is a member of the Catalan Federation of Photography, the Spanish Confederation of Photography, and the International Federation of Photographic Art, which awarded her the MFIAP title in 2014, making her the first woman in Spain to receive it.
More info: www.graciadelahoz.com
Javier Fdez. Ferreras
Born in Lanús (Argentina). At the age of 1, he moved to Barakaldo. He currently resides in Urduliz (Bizkaia).
His passion for photography has led him to travel across all five continents. His favorite subjects are reportage and portraiture, though he also has a strong interest in sports photography and still life.
He is a member of the Eibar Photography Sports Club, the Spanish Confederation of Photography (CEF), and the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP).
A self-taught photographer, he earned the MFIAP (Master) distinction in 2014 (FIAP) and the MCEF (Master) in 2013 (CEF). He received the National Photography Award in 2012 from the CEF, presented at the Spanish Confederation of Photography’s congress held in Zaragoza.
He has won nearly 700 awards in photographic competitions, both nationally and internationally.
Email: jfferreras@gmail.com
Luis Alberto Franke
Based in Argentina. In 2002, he joined the Parque de Buenos Aires Photographic Group, a photo club affiliated with the Argentine Federation of Photography. Since then, he has participated in national and international photography salons, winning numerous awards in more than 60 countries. He won the FIAP "Best of the Best" award consecutively in 2012 and 2013 as best author of the year.
He has specialized in Argentine Patagonia and, for 30 years, has produced numerous photographic reportages in rural establishments throughout the region. His photos depict natural landscapes, characters, and especially the rural life of the vast southern estates.
He is the FIAP Liaison Officer to the Argentine Federation of Photography, a member of the FIAP Board of Directors, and Director of the FIAP Biennial Service.
More info: www.luisfranke.ar
Frederic Garrido Vilajuana
Based in Berga, Barcelona, his work is mainly focused on creative photography.
Portraiture is one of his passions, where he always strives to capture the gaze as the central reference point.
He is president of AFTDAO of Berga and holds various positions in the Catalan Federation of Photography and the Spanish Confederation of Photography. He is also a member of the Almenana Photographic Group, the Arcense Fo-Cal Photographic Association, and Perpignan- Photo Culture in Catalonia.
He holds several distinctions such as the 2013 National CEF Award and the 2010 Catalonia Award FCF, along with the following titles: MFIAP, EsFIAP, MCEF/O, JBCEF, M4*FCF, and JAFCF.
Website: www.fededigital.com