Josep Maria Augé Fradera

Name of the photograph exhibited at Frèsia Florist in Mataró:

A Gaze Full of History

Photo description:

As we approach the imposing figure, it is impossible not to be captivated by her calm yet piercing expression. Her eyes seem to hold the secrets of ancient times, reflecting stories that have stood the test of time.

Who is Josep Maria Augé?

Josep Maria Augé was born in Mataró in 1972. He describes himself as follows:
I have always seen myself with a camera in my hands.

I remember being just over six years old, spending summers imitating my parents by pressing the red shutter button of an Agfa Optima loaded with a 36-exposure film that had to last me fifteen days. Later, when I turned eighteen, I was given my first analogue SLR camera. Like almost everyone else, I eventually made the transition to digital photography.

Entirely self-taught, around 2017 what had once been a hobby became a true passion, and I began capturing everything happening on the streets during those turbulent days. Later, I met Lluís Rugama, another photography enthusiast to whom I will always be grateful. Thanks to him, around 2020 I started collaborating with Ràdio La Veu TV, a media outlet that has allowed me to be where things happen and cover Mataró's cultural life. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the organisations behind these events, who open their doors to me every day and allow me to photograph everything taking place at festivals, theatres, squares, cultural centres and neighbourhoods throughout the capital of the Maresme region.

So now you know: whenever my work as a doctor in the laboratory of a hospital in Barcelona allows it, I devote my free time to this passion. Photography has brought wonderful people into my life and introduced me to artistic institutions and events across the city, such as Sala Cabanyes, the Orquestra de Mataró, Festival 2 Terços, Dans Invitro, InMente Teatre and, more recently, the lively Carnival celebrations, among many others. And now, thanks to Robafaves.cat, I am delighted to be part of this fantastic initiative.

There is nothing more rewarding than touching the soul of someone who shares your passion. Something someone told me recently truly moved me: “Josep Maria, you don't just capture what happens—you capture the feeling and the emotion as well.”