Yinka Esi Graves

La Nacional, NYC (2022)

This was a performance after a film screening of Gurumbé, a documentary on the African roots of flamenco.

This might be might first time I ever photographed a flamenco artist. What a treat for it have to been a Black artist.

Candi

Plaza de España, Sevilla (2022)

Private Photo session during a student trip for Xianix Barrera Flamenco to Sevilla.

I love playing. We had some ideas and we just played: with forms, perception, movement. Plaza de España itself is a playground with dozens of nooks, walls, colors, pillars, tiles, and structures to walk away with something unique, every time.

My goal is to photograph dancers (or just Feria-goers) here once a year during the Feria of Abril.

Kathryn

Plaza de España, Sevilla (2022)

Private Photo session during a student trip for Xianix Barrera Flamenco to Sevilla. Sometimes it’s best when the subject is still. Not searching for expressions, striking poses or conveying intense passion, just…being.

Again, Plaza de España. With the right timing and angles you can get photographs that seem as if this place is all your own.

Antonia Jiménez

El Barrio’s Art Space P.S. 109, NYC (2019)

One of the top female flamenco guitarists in the world. What an interesting turn of events to have met this woman and have had a few intimate encounters. All thanks to being around Xianix Barrera. Not only have I photographed her, but she also played for me while practicing a routine for one of XBF’s student shows. Her, me, Alfonso Cid, and Xianix Barrera. I had goosebumps and still can’t get over that it actually happened.

Xianix Barrera

East Village Rooftop, NYC (2019)

Xianix has also been such an inspiration for me. There’s something about how she teaches with joy, lives with joy, and pulls the flamenco out of you that you didn’t even know was there.

This shoot was inspired by photographs from Ruvén Afanador of his series “Mil Besos”
We strived for striking, high contrast, black and white images rooted in flamenco, but seeking to defy convention. So many great shots from this day.

Patricia Guerrero
La Corral de la Morería, Madrid (2022)

La Corral is an exceptional tablao with a balance of history, gritty flamenco vibes, but then Michelin star rated food. Getting to see Patricia here was a gift. She brings art and her style to all she does.

La Feria de Abril

Sevilla (2022)

This was my first time at La Feria de Abril. Wow. So much to take in. I used to take a lot of these reflections in puddles. I feel people are typically sleepwalking through life, taking scenes around them for granted or are just zombies on their cell phones. Capturing ordinary scenes in this way is meant to push people to look at what’s around them, be in the moment. At Feria, however, the puddle may instead be a respite from the endless stimulation.