Cristina García Rodero's 'España Oculta' Exhibition Opens at IVAM, Challenging Narratives of Spanish Modernity
Photographer Cristina García Rodero's 'España Oculta' exhibition at IVAM revisits Spain's cultural traditions from 1973-1989, challenging prevailing narratives of modernity centered on nightlife movements.
- • Cristina García Rodero inaugurated the 'España Oculta' exhibition at IVAM on December 4.
- • The exhibition features photographs from 1973-1989 documenting Spanish festivals and traditions, from her book originally published in 1989 and reissued in 2024.
- • The work challenges the dominant narrative of Spanish modernity focused on the Movida Madrileña and Ruta del Bakalao nightlife phenomena.
- • The exhibition runs until February 8, 2026, with guided visits, including fully booked tours, highlighting significant public interest.
Key details
On December 4, renowned photographer Cristina García Rodero inaugurated the exhibition 'España Oculta' at the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (IVAM). Curated by García Rodero herself, the exhibition showcases a powerful series of photographs from her book 'España Oculta', originally published in 1989 and reissued in 2024. The images, taken between 1973 and 1989, document the rich tapestry of Spanish traditions, festivals, and rituals across various towns and cities, offering a cultural narrative often overshadowed by the popular Movida Madrileña and Ruta del Bakalao movements.
García Rodero's work challenges the conventional aesthetic construction of freedom tied exclusively to these nightlife phenomena by highlighting the continuity and importance of local traditions during Spain’s transition period. The photographs evoke a sense of recognition and nostalgia, connecting viewers to their familial and cultural heritage rather than mere fascination.
The exhibition has attracted considerable attention, with the first guided tour on December 7 fully booked and strong engagement during the Constitution holiday period. 'España Oculta' will be on display in IVAM's Gallery 5 until February 8, 2026, with another guided visit scheduled for December 27, reflecting ongoing public interest.
This collection provides a vital counterpoint to dominant narratives of Spanish modernity by presenting the enduring cultural practices that coexist with and sometimes challenge the defining youth movements of the 1980s.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
