Esto Es España

Esto es España is a photographic book by Sergio Pontier that reimagines Spanish identity by placing Black presence at the center of the national narrative. Through a combination of documentary observation, fashion imagery, and intimate portraiture, the project challenges long-standing stereotypes and questions who is seen, remembered, and represented within Spanish visual culture. Rather than proposing a singular definition of Spanishness, the book embraces multiplicity—where Blackness, tradition, and contemporary life coexist naturally. Drawing from cultural symbols deeply embedded in the Spanish collective imagination—such as flamenco, religious iconography, and football—Pontier reclaims these references through a subversive lens, reframing them within Afro-descendant lived experience. Shot primarily on film, the work emphasizes color, texture, and atmosphere, reinforcing a sense of memory, intimacy, and emotional depth. The images oscillate between the personal and the political, forming a visual archive rooted in everyday moments as much as in collective history. Published in 2025, Esto es España extends Pontier’s ongoing exploration of Spanish-Black identity, diaspora, and belonging. The book functions both as a cultural document and a visual manifesto, advocating visibility, authenticity, and pride for a new generation. Curated by Tosin Adeosun, the project has been presented internationally and received coverage from many platforms including PhotoVogue, Ee72, and El País Semanal.