The collaborative endeavor “Esto es España” by PhotoVogue artist Sergio Pontier and stylist Juanjose Mouko Nsue offers a compelling reinterpretation of Spanish cultural imagery. This project strategically positions Black identity as the core lens through which to explore and portray Spanishness, producing visuals that imbue well-known cultural motifs, such as flamenco and football, with fresh meaning and context. Their work is a deliberate effort to dismantle prevailing stereotypes and superficial portrayals within Spain's visual landscape.
Pontier, who is of Dominican and Spanish heritage, and Mouko Nsue, with Equatorial-Guinean roots, unite their distinct perspectives to create a powerful commentary on Spanish society. Their shared artistic vision challenges the historical exclusion and trivialization of Black voices in mainstream Spanish culture. By showcasing friends and collaborators, they highlight the multifaceted nature of Black Spanish identity, asserting its integral role in the national narrative. This approach fosters a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be Spanish in the contemporary world.
A significant aspect of “Esto es España” involves the use of diverse attire—from flamenco dresses and contemporary streetwear to traditional regional costumes. This sartorial choice is not merely aesthetic; it's a potent statement against the scarcity of Black representation in Spain’s visual arts. By integrating these varied elements, the artists construct a vibrant and authentic portrayal of Black individuals within the rich tapestry of Spanish heritage, thus enriching and expanding the visual lexicon of the nation.
Curated and introduced by Tosin Adeosun, “Esto es España” is conceived as a foundational step toward a more profound and expansive objective: to reconstruct historical narratives for emerging generations, stimulate educational discourse, and confer due recognition upon previously marginalized communities. Mouko Nsue articulates this ambition, stating, “My aspiration is to reach a stage where we are no longer categorized as ‘Black artists’ or ‘Black stylists,’ but simply acknowledged as Spanish artists, without any additional descriptors. Achieving complete, unqualified belonging is the ultimate aim.”
Pontier underscores the transformative power of their current moment, remarking, “I sense we are experiencing a genuine epoch of change, and the true legacy extends beyond the artistic creations themselves; it encompasses the nurturing environment we cultivate for the prosperity of future generations.” To champion this significant initiative and contribute to the evolution of Spain’s visual narrative, a book launch and accompanying exhibition are scheduled for November 27th at Photobook Café in London, offering a unique opportunity for public engagement and support.
Through their innovative photography, Sergio Pontier and Juanjose Mouko Nsue are actively reshaping how Spanish culture is perceived and represented. Their project, “Esto es España,” serves as a critical intervention, challenging existing visual paradigms and advocating for a more comprehensive and equitable depiction of Spanish identity. This artistic endeavor not only redefines traditional symbols but also champions a future where diversity is celebrated as an intrinsic component of national heritage, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative visual culture for the next generation.
