'Curare', a Photographic Tribute to Caregivers

Caregivers play such an essential role that they often go unnoticed. To highlight their importance, photographer Iván Carbonell has captured the work, dedication, and commitment of the support staff at the San Rafael Centre-Estima Foundation.

"Photographs are silent but speak for themselves," noted the centre's director, Ana Carratalá, moments before inaugurating the 'Curare' exhibition in the multimedia room of the Aguas de Alicante Museum, located within the Pozos de Garrigós.

This exhibition highlights both the users of this entity and those who ensure their well-being and care. It features 73 photographs taken by Iván Carratalá, displayed on screens and two projectors that illuminate the walls and floor of the second and third cisterns.

The photographs of 'Curare' capture the "corporeality, presence, contact, and communication" that emerge at the San Rafael Centre-Estima Foundation. "Iván has managed to capture much more than we intended," Carratalá also noted when introducing the exhibition.

Thus, the "spirit" of the San Rafael Centre extends beyond its windows and presents itself to society, with numerous snapshots that "express what it means to accompany people with disabilities: talking to us, loving us, looking at us, welcoming us, and accompanying us."

The opening day of the 'Curare' exhibition, available at the Pozos de Garrigós until March 30, featured its author, Iván Carbonell. The photographer first set foot in the San Rafael Centre-Estima Foundation a decade ago, "finding a place unfamiliar to me."

A decade-long relationship, the same as the one the entity maintains with Aguas de Alicante, has allowed me to "cleanse myself of prejudices," confessed the photographer, who "expected something more cinematic" within its walls. However, "I found it the other way around."

Throughout this friendship, Carbonell has come to know firsthand what he has captured in the images: "They are people caring for people." However, there is a small handicap, as "within the space, a world occurs that is not seen outside."

Therefore, the ten digital screens that make up the multimedia room of the Aguas Museum-Pozos de Garrigós –Alicantinos 2024 award granted by TodoAlicante– have become windows through which "you can peer and find the love of care."

The Director of Communication and Institutional Relations of Aguas de Alicante, Martín Sanz, acted as master of ceremonies during the inauguration of the 'Curare' exhibition at the Pozos de Garrigós. Before presenting the exhibition, he recounted the "solid friendship" with the San Rafael Centre-Estima Foundation.

A decade-long relationship between both entities has allowed collaboration on various initiatives, starting with the first concerts of the University of Alicante Philharmonic Orchestra (OFUA) to benefit the San Rafael Centre.

The connection has continued over time with the celebration of various management committees of Hidraqua at the centre's facilities, aiming to closely understand their work; in addition to the donation and provision of computer equipment for the classrooms.

This new exhibition is preceded by another by Pilar Cortés at the La Marjal floodable park, celebrating its tenth anniversary. Thus, the Director of Communication of Aguas de Alicante acknowledged being "captivated" upon learning about the 'Curare' proposal, encouraging visits to the San Rafael Centre to experience the images firsthand.