Oriol Maspons (b. 1928 d. 2013) was one of the great Spanish photographers known for his innovative contributions to documentary, portrait, and fashion photography. Born in Barcelona, Maspons was deeply influenced by the artistic and cultural atmosphere of the mid-20th century, particularly in post-war Europe. His work reflects a modernist sensibility, blending social realism with an avant-garde aesthetic.

Maspons initially pursued studies in economics but soon abandoned them to dedicate himself to photography. His passion for the medium developed during the 1950s, when he lived in Paris, where he absorbed influences from the French humanist photography movement, including the works of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Doisneau. Upon returning to Barcelona, he became a member of the Agrupació Fotogràfica de Catalunya, a key hub for experimental photographers in Spain.

Maspons is celebrated for his ability to capture the nuances of everyday life with an unpretentious yet sophisticated eye. His photography spanned various genres, including fashion, reportage, and portraiture. He worked extensively for magazines such as Interviú, Destino and La Gaceta Ilustrada, creating striking images that reflected the changing cultural and social landscapes of Spain during the Franco regime and the subsequent transition to democracy.

In the 1960s, Maspons collaborated with authors and artists, illustrating books with his photographs. His notable works include collaborations with the writer Juan Goytisolo and poet Gil de Biedma. His portraits of figures from Barcelona’s intellectual and artistic circles remain iconic.

Maspons also worked in commercial photography, producing fashion shoots that blended artistry with elegance. His ability to adapt to various photographic genres while maintaining a distinct style made him a key figure in Spanish photography.

Maspons’ work was widely recognized during his lifetime and continues to be celebrated posthumously. His photographs have been exhibited internationally, and he received several awards, including the City of Barcelona Award. In 2019, a major retrospective of his work was organized by the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), reaffirming his legacy as one of Spain’s most important 20th-century photographers.

Oriol Maspons’ photography remains a testament to his vision and versatility. Through his lens, he captured not only the aesthetics of his time but also its spirit, making him a pivotal figure in modern European photography.

Maspons in his passing left a remarkable collection of unpublished photographs back dated to the 50s and 80s. His sole heir, son Alex Maspons explained that ‘It was never his [father’s] intention to do anything with the photographs, in terms of creating a business out of them. His photographs were for pleasure and satisfying his hobby’.

Agony + Ecstasy Gallery exclusively represents Maspon´s photographical archive of Ibiza.