Spain
Lucia Herrero
Tribute to La Bata
This project plays tribute to a very specific kind of woman. The bata is a working dress that she wears. I want to give her a voice.
She was the matriarch in a strongly patriarchal society. Raised to take care of their family, she rarely ever had the chance to even think about her own possible dreams. We talk about an unrepresented and unappreciated group.
I want to give her the homage that they deserve. This type of woman is in danger of extinction, just as the bata is. In my culture, Europe, they are the last generation. These photo sessions are a creative adventure where these women enter a state of playfulness without even realizing it. I take their portrait in their villages, houses and places of work. They break their strong mental and time routines. They get transformed and they in turn transform their environment.
These women live in a remote village called Villarmienzo, in Spain. With around 20 inhabitants, Villarmienzo is affected by depopulation as most of the rural areas. These 6 women who have lived here since they were born, accepted to be portrayed by me and play as if they were in a fashion shooting.
I create a magic zone when the bata women feel free to express their creative craziness during our sessions. The bata is the point around which my study revolves. From there, I analyze gender issues, sociopolitical changes in society and human landscapes. Humor is an important component in my work. It is the entry door to reach different levels of interpretation. I create sociological portraits.
