Important: These are exhibition books; they are not new books, and they may show some dirt and minor imperfections typical of books that have been on public display at fairs. We have inspected the books at Dartbooks and they show no serious damage. The books are almost like new and signed by Txema Salvans.What is it about Spain, prostitution, and photography? One of the best-known collections of postwar Spanish photographs is Joan Colom's remarkable study of prostitutes hanging out in Barcelona. This was published as a book in 1964.Many years later, we have Txema Salvans's collection of photographs depicting prostitution in urban and rural spaces along the roadside. The women stand or sit on plastic chairs by the roadside, as their main clientele is drivers. The women get into the cars, and whatever happens, happens there.
The stylistic difference between these two sets of photographs is clear. Colom's work showcases grainy moments captured in black and white, while Txema Salvans produces 5/4-inch color photographs of landscapes with an isolated figure almost hidden within the frame. Spain is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. But the Spanish tourist office won't knock on Salvans's door to license any of these photos, as the cityscape he portrays is not a pretty sight. Yet it is instantly recognizable to us: the no-man's-land between city and countryside is so well documented in these photographs. That strange, ugly mix, so invasive and so prolific. So, in addition to seeing the prostitutes in their extraordinary settings, we also learn about the contemporary urban landscape. Even without its central players, this would be a stunning set of photographs.
This is not Salvans's first book. He produced the lovely black-and-white publication "Nice to Meet You" in 2005. But this latest book, for me, constitutes a more mature and complete set of images. It's very exciting to see this new energy and direction. This wonderful set of photographs by Salvans makes a very positive contribution to a developing trend.
 
Martín Parr