A Tribute to Picasso: "Málaga at a Glance" Leica Camera Iberia Winners Announced

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the passing of the famed painter, Pablo Picasso, the City Council of Málaga and Leica Camera Iberia invited artists all over the world to submit their work under the theme “Málaga at a Glance”.

Though Picasso resided predominantly in France, his early years in the vibrant Andalusian city of Málaga played an undeniable role in shaping him and his body of work. This influence is recognized and celebrated worldwide today.

“Málaga at a Glance” sought to encapsulate the unique charm of Picasso’s birthplace through the lenses of the ubiquitous visitor. This unique collaboration invited individuals worldwide to share their personal experiences and perspectives of Málaga, whether it was a tucked-away corner, a fleeting moment, a majestic monument, or a captivating portrait.

The response was overwhelming, with numerous entries showcasing the multifaceted beauty of the city. From the vibrant café culture and bustling marketplaces to the tranquil beaches and historic landmarks, each submission painted a vivid tableau of Málaga, much akin to Picasso’s dynamic and diverse body of work.

From September 25th to October 25th, residents and tourists will have the pleasure to enjoy Málaga’s charm through an outdoor exhibition hosted in the city. This exhibition will display a curated selection of the jury’s top picks, encapsulating an array of personal narratives and perspectives that celebrate Málaga and Picasso’s enduring influence.

Introducing the winners

On June 26, 2023, esteemed jurors convened across Málaga and Madrid for the “Málaga at a Glance” competition. The panel included Gloria Rueda Chaves, Javier Liedo, and Matías Costa. After careful deliberation, they awarded Massimiliano Maddalena the best individual photograph prize for his piece, “When the children play, they discover”. Carmenchu Alemán won the best photographic series award for her collection, “Ritos de realidad”. Both winners will receive a coveted Leica Q 3 camera for their exceptional snapshots capturing the spirit of Málaga.

Massimiliano Maddalena

Massimiliano Maddalena is an Italian Barcelona-based photographer with a background in Literature and Philosophy. He’s known for his artistic projects and participation in esteemed events like Atlántica Colectiva XIII Bienall de Fotografía. He also dabbles in video art, with selected works like “Crisis”. His photo “When the children play, they discover”, presents a vivid interplay of reality and imagination. The jury praised its lively composition and thematic alignment with the competition’s celebratory spirit.

Carmenchu Alemán

Based in Madrid, photographer Carmenchu Alemán focuses on Spanish and Portuguese traditions, rituals, and festivals. Her work, recognized by El País Semanal and National Geographic among others, is also published in books like PANDEMIA and Via de la Plata. Her award-winning series “Rites of Reality” presents a unique perspective on Holy Week, capturing personal expressions of cultural traditions, providing emotional support, and forging spiritual connections.