La fotografía documental, entre la evidencia y la creación: Cristina García Rodero y Cristina de Middel

Cristina García Rodero (Puertollano, Ciudad Real, 1949) and Cristina de Middel (Alicante, 1975) represent two significant moments in the evolution of documentary photography in Spain. García Rodero, winner of the National Photography Prize in 1996, stands out for her ethnographic approach and her ability to capture the essence of Spanish traditions, as well as the disparate cultures of other countries. Her work documents and offers an in-depth look at customs, as well as the intimate moments and feelings that spontaneously spring from human beings. Cristina de Middel, winner of this same award in 2017, more than 20 years later, is recognised for her innovative vision, challenging the boundaries between reality and fiction. In addition to being members of the photographic agency Magnum Photos, the connection between the two photographers lies in their great influence on documentary photography. While García Rodero broke new ground with her traditional, documentary gaze, de Middel has taken the genre to new horizons, where the interpretation of reality and the potential of the image to offer new points of view play a crucial role. Both exemplify how documentary photography can be a medium for artistic expression and social commentary.