I have known many of these images by Guille Ibañez for years.

Exactly like me, he lives far from his native country and when he returns he dedicates himself to portraying Spain, in my case Italy, with the gaze of someone who knows its culture well but with the perspective of distance.

In these photos I can see a current Spain that comes from the past.

You can buy “TERRA SANTA” the photobook by Guille Ibañez published by EYESHOT HERE.
But hurry up, it will only be available until March 31 and it is well worth it!

” “It’s been 20 years since I left my homeland.”

This thought was the catalyst for a personal journey; photographing events and places all around Spain that bring people together and help define the country’s personality.

Some of the scenes in ‘Tierra Santa’ are beautiful, joyful and full of colour, while others feel more raw and dark.

All of them recall a collective past that has defined the country’s identity for centuries.

There are implicit themes here; my search for a sense of belonging, which mirrors that of the people I photograph; the quest for faith, which is often depicted in a very rich iconography and a sense of regional pride.

Ultimately, this is a personal endeavor to reconnect with roots that are gradually eroding.”