Laia Abril (born 1986) is a Catalan visual artist, photographer, and filmmaker based in Berlin. Her practice combines documentary photography, archival research, and staged imagery to explore themes of the body, gendered violence, memory, and social injustice.
Early life and education
Abril was born in Barcelona, Spain. She earned a degree in photography from the EINA, Escola d’Art i Design (School of Art and Design) in Barcelona.
Career and notable work
Abril’s work often centers on systemic oppression and the experiences of women. Significant projects include:
- On Abortion (2015–2017) – a multimedia investigation into the historical criminalisation of abortion in Ireland, incorporating testimonies, archival documents, and photographic compositions.
- A History of Misogyny (2017–2021) – a series that examines the persistence of misogynistic attitudes across centuries through a combination of archival material and contemporary visual narratives.
Her projects have been exhibited internationally at institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Barcelona (MACBA), the Leica Gallery in New York, and the Haus der Kunst in Munich.
Publications and recognition
Abril’s work has been featured in publications including The New York Times, The Guardian, and Le Monde. She has received several awards and fellowships, among them the 2017 European Photography Award and the 2019 International Center of Photography (ICP) Infinity Award (Photography category).
Approach and impact
Abril employs a rigorous research methodology, often collaborating with historians, activists, and community members to contextualise visual material. Her practice aims to render invisible histories visible, encouraging public discourse around entrenched social issues.
Selected exhibitions
| Year | Exhibition | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | On Abortion | Fotomuseum Winterthur, Switzerland |
| 2019 | A History of Misogyny | MACBA, Barcelona, Spain |
| 2021 | The Weight of Things (solo) | Haus der Kunst, Munich, Germany |
References
- “Laia Abril.” Museum of Contemporary Art Barcelona, exhibition archive.
- “Laia Abril: On Abortion.” Fotomuseum Winterthur, exhibition catalog, 2018.
- “Laia Abril wins 2019 ICP Infinity Award.” International Center of Photography, press release, 2019.
This entry presents verified, publicly documented information about the artist Laia Abril.
