Photojournalist Isavel Steva, also known as Colita, was awarded this Tuesday with the Ofici de Periodista award, granted by the Governing Board of the Col·legi de Periodistes de Catalunya. The highest award with which this organization distinguishes the professional career of its members has been this year for this “outstanding figure in the field of photojournalism and the cultural life of the city of Barcelona, especially associated with the Gauche Divine scene”, as specified in a statement.
The Col·legi de Periodistes highlights Colita's "indisputable" contribution to culture and art "with a photographic work that has captured crucial moments in the history of the city." The delivery is scheduled to take place next Monday, November 6, at the Barcelona headquarters of the Col·legi de Periodistes.
Isabel Steva began her career as a self-taught photographer in the early sixties, at a time when artistic expression and provocation were the only weapon against Franco's censorship and opposition from the Church. "Her bold and provocative work challenged established norms and captured the vitality and diversity of Barcelona at that time," the statement added.
In addition to her work as a photojournalist, the Col·legi de Periodistes also highlights her enthusiastic feminism. "Her dedication to women's rights and gender equality has been exemplary." Colita directed the photography department of the magazine 'Vindicación Feminista', a publication that played a fundamental role in promoting female voices and the fight for equality.
Joan Maria Morros, dean of the College of Journalists, recalled that the journalist has left "an indelible mark on the history of photojournalism and the feminist movement in our country." He has also noted that her commitment to journalistic values "is an inspiring example for all generations of journalists."
The Journalist Office Award is an award created in 1999 with the aim of distinguishing colleagues with relevant professional trajectories characterized by excellence and journalistic ethics. The last edition of the award was given to Olga Viza. On previous occasions this distinction has been received by journalists such as Antonio Franco (posthumously), Tomás Alcoverro, José María Cadena, José Martí Gómez, María Eugenia Ibáñez, José Pernau, Rosa María Calaf, Enric Frigola, José María Huertas Claveria, Joaquín Maria Puyal, Jaime Arias, Mercè Conesa, Narcís-Jordi Aragó, Xavier Batalla and Josep Maria Espinàs.
