Out of the darkness comes light

An exhibition of photographs taken in Syria between 2011 and 2015 by Ricard Garcia Vilanova.

As the only western photojournalist based in Syria since the beginning of the conflict, Ricard Garcia Vilanova’s images take an unflinching look at the country’s descent into civil war.

Initially drawn to Syria with the outbreak of the Arab Spring, Vilanova documented the start of the civil uprisings in Jabal Al Zawiya, Idlib province. With the threat of reprisals from the Al Asad government for those photographed, Villanova followed the wishes of the population, initially only taking photos of children in the demonstrations. As the country descended into chaos, Villanova became a reluctant witness to the increasing militarisation of the government crackdown, pitting an unorganized and largely un-armed civil resistance against snipers , tanks, helicopter gunships and scud missiles.

With the conflict escalating and the country increasingly militarised vilanova documented a civil population faced with a stark choice – fight or die.

Working simultaneously in video and still photography, Villanova’s images, shot with a wide angle lens are testament to Robert Capa’ maxim that “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough”. Keeping the distance between the subject and the camera’s gaze to the bare minimum brings the viewer face to face with the realities of war, and the humanity of it’s victims.

With 40 still images and nine video works, the exhibition at Palacio de la Virrena offers an unparalleled view into a conflict that to date has claimed 215,000 lives and displaced millions.

Guided visits: Tuesday, Saturdays and Sundays at 17:00