Claudia Ruiz Caro, flamenco photography

We interview Claudia Ruiz Caro, official photographer of the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla in its 21st edition, whose work focuses on the more anthropological and documentary side of flamenco. Originally from Barcelona, she now lives in Jerez de la Frontera, a city that has allowed her to approach flamenco from an intimate and local perspective.

When did your connection to flamenco begin?

I started at the end of 2015 because I had come from Barcelona, after doing a master’s degree in performance photography and, of course, in Jerez what you find is flamenco. Little by little, I got into the world of concerts, and eventually I ended up doing album covers, working for festivals, covering events… At home, flamenco had always been heard as a music genre, but my real contact with it through photography started in 2015.

Let’s talk about your style… Who are your influences and why do you identify with them?

My references are Pepe Lamarca, Colita, Jacques Léonard… especially Pepe, who is the closest to me. I also have a relationship with Colita; they’re kind of my pillars.

“Pepe is my mentor, the one I ask everything.”

I identify with them because they observe flamenco without taking part in it, simply watching and letting it flow naturally — and that’s how I work too.

Claudia at her exhibition “Adocamele” with Pepe Lamarca. Photo: Antonio Benamargo

About your experience in photography… How do you experience the tablaos differently from the theaters?

I particularly like the tablao because it seems to me that it is halfway between a more private and carefree flamenco party and the theater, which feels colder towards the audience. The tablao, I think, has that perfect point of connection.

How do you integrate the Gypsy community into your photographs?

I focused my work mainly on the world of cante and guitar, and from Jerez, what we have here is definitely connected to the Gypsy community. They are the protagonists of my work and, in addition to that, I owe them everything. They have opened the doors to their art and their home.

“The Gypsy community is the foundation of my work”

Do you plan to exhibit in Madrid?

Yes, I plan to exhibit in Madrid, the last time was at Casa Patas in 2019. The next one is in Barcelona, in November.

Is this your first time at Tablao Flamenco 1911 (formerly Villa Rosa)?

Yes, it is my first time. When it was Villa Rosa, I still lived in Madrid and was deeply involved in the Círculo Flamenco de Madrid, and due to scheduling, I could never come to see you. Honestly, I’m happy to see you so lively. The show felt dynamic; it has the perfect balance to engage the audience without overwhelming them.