Spanish Graphic Designer Finds Solace in iPhone Photography
Iñigo Jerez Quintana, a Spanish graphic designer based in Barcelona, has captured a poignant moment with his iPhone 13, photographing an abandoned teddy bear against a wall in the Poblenou district. The image, titled simply "Bear, 2025," reflects a deep personal journey through mental health struggles and artistic expression.
A Visual Impulse Leads to Discovery
Quintana describes his photographic process as driven by visual impulses. While walking from his studio to a work meeting, he spotted the bear and was struck by the colour match between its fur and the wall paint. "It anchors a childish stereotype in a place where it doesn't really belong," he explains, highlighting the strange yet beautiful juxtaposition that defines much of his work.
Photography as Therapy During a Blue Period
Several years ago, Quintana experienced a depressive period, which he refers to as a "blue period." Without fully understanding why, he began compulsively taking photos. "It allowed me to tolerate a reality that, without being reinterpreted through an aesthetic lens, was very hard for me to cope with," he says. By focusing on moments of discovery and capturing the mix of strange and beautiful elements, he found the act therapeutic, aiding his recovery.
The Bittersweet Emotion of the Bear
The bear itself evokes complex emotions. "The bear feels comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time. It's a bittersweet moment," Quintana notes. This duality mirrors his own experiences, using the French term objet trouvé (found object) to describe the abandoned toy, which symbolises both loss and resilience.
Personal Connections and Broader Themes
As a child, Quintana was not fond of stuffed toys, but he and his family gave his son a stuffed leopard over a decade ago, which they later found on the street. This personal anecdote adds depth to his exploration of toys and memory in his photography. His work continues to blend the strange with the beautiful, offering insights into mental health recovery through art.
