El peso del Estoque

Essay 571 • Oct 20th 2024

“El peso del Estoque" is a photographic project that tells the extraordinary story of Raquel Martín, a 21-year-old female bullfighter who courageously challenges one of Spain's most deeply rooted cultural practices: bullfighting. This project delves into the centuries-old tradition of the corrida, while highlighting the often invisible role of women in this symbolic and historical arena.

Bullfighting has long been a cornerstone of Spanish culture, representing an ancient and controversial ritual. Traditionally, the image of the bullfighter has been male, symbolizing strength and dominance. However, the rare participation of women in bullfighting has its own complex history. Women, though often relegated to the sidelines, have fought hard to claim their space in the bullring, a place embodying challenge and courage.

Raquel stands out as one of the few women to face not only the bull but also the cultural and social barriers that limit female presence in the arenas. With the estoque in hand, she embodies the responsibility of carrying on this ancient tradition. Each photograph captures her journey, revealing her physical and mental strength, as well as her determination in a male-dominated world.















 

Francesca Fontana is a young Italian photographer, born in 1999, in Abruzzo. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Photography from the Academy of Fine Arts of L’Aquila with honors. Her thesis, titled “Stories in Images: Photographic Reportage between History, Ethics, and Visual Narration with a Focus on Bullfighting,” explored the theme of ethical narration through documentary photography, with a particular interest in bullfighting.

Francesca has gained professional experience both in Italy and abroad, including internships at the ARTEPURO Agency in Spain, the Gliubich Auction House in L’Aquila, and as an assistant to a documentary photographer in Pescara. She has participated in several group and solo exhibitions, showcasing her work in Italy and abroad. Additionally, she was a finalist in the first edition of the “Beca de Fotografía Paco Casanova EFTI”.