What is it about Spain, prostitution and photography? One of the best-known collections of photographs from post-war Spain is Joan Colom's remarkable study of prostitutes spending time on the streets of Barcelona. It was published as a book in 1964.
Many years later, we have Txema Salvans's series of photographs showing prostitution in urban and rural roadside spaces. The women stand or sit on plastic chairs by the roadside, as their main clients are drivers. The women get into the cars, and there whatever is going to happen takes place.
The difference in style between these two sets of photographs is clear. Colom's work presents grainy, captured moments in black and white, while Txema Salvans produces 5/4-inch colour photographs of landscapes with an isolated figure almost hidden within the frame. Spain is one of Europe's most beautiful countries. But the Spanish tourist board will not be knocking on Salvans's door to license any of these pictures, as the urban landscape he depicts is not a pleasant sight. Yet it is instantly recognisable to us: the no-man's-land between city and countryside is so well documented in these photographs. That strange, ugly mixture, so intrusive and so widespread. Thus, as well as seeing the prostitutes in their extraordinary settings, we also learn about the contemporary urban landscape. Even without their central figures, this would be an impressive set of photographs.
This is not Salvans's first book. He produced the charming black-and-white publication 'Encantado de conocerte' in 2005. But to me, this latest book constitutes a more mature and complete set of images. It is very exciting to see this new energy and direction. This wonderful body of photographs by Salvans makes a very positive contribution to a developing trend.
Martin Parr
