Over the past two years, Cristina de Middel, a native of Alicante, has been leading Magnum, the photography agency widely regarded as the most significant in the world. To honor its pivotal role in documenting global events and the contributions of great women, Magnum received this year's Princess of Asturias Award for Concord, one of Spain's most esteemed honors. Magnum represents some of the world’s most celebrated photographers, who share the visionary approach of its founders in blending journalism, art, and storytelling. For over 70 years, Magnum has produced top-tier photographic content, and its archive is a dynamic collection regularly updated with new work from around the globe.
Euronews Culture caught up with Cristina de Middel at the Asturias Awards ceremony in Oviedo last month at the Hotel La Reconquista, where she mingled with other honorees and the Spanish Royal Family. On her way to the hotel, she was repeatedly stopped in the street and congratulated. 'The warmth of the people of Oviedo is remarkable, something I will always cherish,' she remarked. The jury commended the social work undertaken by the Magnum Agency through photography. 'It's a call to recognize the significance of trusting images; we serve as a anchor in a society that increasingly relies on visuals,' De Middel explains.
Among the agency's creators were the duo known as Robert Capa, an alias used by photographers Endre Friedmann and Gerda Taro. They gained fame for their 'war photography,' a field De Middel now feels is 'on the brink of extinction.' 'There are fewer resources, less funding to tell stories with the depth they require,' she laments. 'The world is becoming more complex to explain while having far fewer means to do so,' De Middel notes, also highlighting one of the sector's greatest threats: disinformation or AI-generated false images. 'A 15-year-old with a computer can now easily fabricate years of research, which is alarming for photography,' she says, adding that 'it's even more concerning for the audience,' presenting a new challenge for journalism.
De Middel has emerged as a true trailblazer, not only as an artistic and documentary photographer but also as the head of a major company. Like in many industries, women have faced greater challenges in this field. 'Things are evolving,' she acknowledges, though she is critical of her role as president of an agency 'with less than 10% female representation.' She believes this must change, recognizing that 'it's a gradual process, the trend is positive but it's moving slowly.' To reach her position, she has had to make significant sacrifices: 'I am not married, I don't have children, I am 50 years old and have only recently bought a house... I have always prioritized my career.'
This year's Princess of Asturias Awards also celebrated the roles and relentless efforts of other women, including badminton player Carolina Marín and Iranian cartoonist Marjane Satrapi. Notably, Princess Leonor presided over the closing of the ceremony for the first time.
Source link: https://www.euronews.com
