MADRID.- Within the hallowed halls of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, a collection of photographs whispers stories of exile, resilience, and the vibrant cultural tapestry of a bygone era. These are the works of Nicolás Muller, a Hungarian-born photographer who, through his lens, became one of Spain’s most influential visual storytellers. This current exhibition at the prestigious academy offers a profound look at his impact, reminding us of the power of photography to transcend borders and capture the essence of humanity.
Explore the landscapes and portraits of a master photographer. Discover the artistry of Nicolás Muller.
Muller’s life reads like a historical novel. Born in Hungary in 1913, he belonged to a remarkable generation of Hungarian photographers – a group that included giants like Robert Capa, Brassaï, Moholy-Nagy, and André Kertész. But the rise of Nazism forced him to flee his homeland in 1938, beginning a journey of exile that would shape his life and work.
Paris became his first refuge, where he contributed to prestigious publications like France Magazine, Paris-Match, and Regard. However, the shadow of war followed him. As a Jew, Muller was again forced to move, seeking temporary shelter in Portugal. Even there, he was not safe, facing expulsion by the Salazar regime’s secret police.
His wandering eventually led him to Tangier, a cosmopolitan city in Morocco, where he found a semblance of stability. From 1940 to 1947, Muller established a successful portrait studio, capturing the diverse faces of the city. During this time, under the Spanish Protectorate, he also collaborated with the newspaper España and published two notable books: Estampas marroquíes (Moroccan Prints) and Tánger por el Jalifa (Tangier by the Khalifa). These works revealed a mature artist, deeply sensitive to his surroundings and possessing a mastery of his craft.
In 1944, a pivotal encounter with Fernando Vela, a prominent intellectual and co-founder of the Revista de Occidente, brought Muller to Madrid for the first time. Three years later, he made Madrid his permanent home, opening a studio on Serrano Street, near the iconic Puerta de Alcalá.
Post-war Madrid was a city recovering from the ravages of conflict and under the weight of Franco's dictatorship. Yet, Muller’s studio became a beacon of light and a haven for intellectuals, artists, and writers who yearned for intellectual freedom. His studio wasn't just a place for portraits; it was a salon, a vibrant hub where minds met and ideas were exchanged.
Imagine the scene: the warm glow of studio lights, the quiet hum of conversation, the friendly presence of Muller’s dogs. Within those walls, giants of Spanish thought and culture gathered: Baroja and Azorín, elder statesmen of literature; philosophers like Pedro Laín Entralgo and Xavier Zubiri; poets like Gabriel Celaya and Gerardo Diego; writers like Ignacio Aldecoa and María Zambrano. Once a week, Muller himself would venture out to the nearby Café Gijón, joining the lively discussions of poets and painters.
This gathering at Muller’s studio echoed the legendary salons of 19th-century Paris, particularly that of Nadar. Like Nadar, Muller created a visual record of his time, capturing the faces of a generation that shaped Spain’s intellectual and artistic landscape. His portraits are more than just images; they are intimate glimpses into the souls of these remarkable individuals.
But Muller’s work extended far beyond the confines of his studio. He ventured across Spain, documenting its landscapes, towns, monuments, and people. His photographs offer a poignant portrayal of a country grappling with its past and striving for a new identity. His books, such as España Clara (Clear Spain) and numerous regional guides, are now treasured historical documents, offering a window into a Spain that has changed but not disappeared.
In 1980, after a rich and eventful career, Muller passed the torch to his daughter, Ana, also a talented photographer, and retired to the coastal town of Andrín, Asturias. It wasn't until the 1990s, with a major retrospective at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Madrid and a comprehensive catalog, that Muller’s work received the widespread recognition it deserved. He was finally acknowledged as one of Spain’s most important photographers, a status he shares with his admired colleague, Catalá-Roca.
Now, this important body of work is being celebrated at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, offering a new generation the chance to connect with Muller's vision. His photographs remind us of the power of art to transcend borders, to connect us to the past, and to illuminate the human experience. They are a testament to the enduring impact of a wandering lens that found its home in Spain and captured the soul of a nation.
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