Photography exhibition. Selection of participants in the contest of the Asc. Friends.

From August 8th to 29th 2025 

A large number of works have been submitted to the competition organised by the Friends of the Garden Association and sponsored by Viveros Guzmán. The exhibition now on display brings together the winning entries and a careful selection of works which, although not awarded prizes, stand out for their expressive power, their unique perspective or their ability to raise questions.

Photography, like gardening, is an act of attention. Both require pause, sensitivity and a certain form of silent listening. This exhibition brings together different perspectives on the same place: the La Concepción Historical Botanical Gardens. It is not just a matter of documenting its exuberance or its plant geometry, but of allowing the camera to function as an extension of wonder.

The 2025 Photography Competition has been, in this sense, an exercise in collective contemplation. Through two categories—A and B—images have been gathered that not only capture the garden but also dialogue with it: its play of light and shadow, the texture of the foliage, the invisible murmur of time among the leaves.

The idea of using dolls to recreate the garden's history was conceived by the artist Alberto Martin, who has been putting together displays with Barbie dolls for many years. After studying a number of late 19^th-century photographs, mostly from the Silvela Legacy, he created a series of almost identical scenes using not only the world-famous Barbie but also Ken, Madelman and other similar figures. Sponsored by the Malaga Foundation and the Friends of La Concepcion Association.

The aim of this exhibition is to portray both a key period in the history of La Concepcion and the Bourgeois lifestyle of the time in a way that will appeal to visitors of all ages. All of the materials used in the displays have been recycled: bottle tops, sink racks, clothes pegs, pencil sharpeners, pin cushions etc. Each figure is dressed in a different costume and hat made from dressmakers' cuttings; the hairstyles, fans and parasols sported by the women are all unique and were inspired by 19^th-century clothing catalogues.

This exhibition displays period furniture in the room that housed the library of the Casa Palacio in the 19th century. The room can be accessed through a methacrylate tunnel to prevent deterioration of the furniture. This is intended to enhance the value of the elements of this space, which has allowed not only to improve its preservation, but also to generate greater artistic and cultural interest among visitors. Most of this furniture is part of the municipal heritage and dates from the second half of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century. Some of the most noteworthy are the office table of General Espartero, made of oak and of French origin, which served as Jorge Loring's own desk; as well as a mahogany chair that accompanies it. Another valuable element is an English Edward VI style mahogany corner cabinet with built-in bookshelves, display cabinet, table and sofa.