Sylvia Polakoff He died four years ago, but his memory lives on through an impressive photographic archive that is now coming to light thanks to the Nikon House gallery in Madrid. A tribute to one of the distinguished photographers and my authors … More than 250 works have been transformed into a living history of our country. An exhibition located on Calle de la Reina Mercedes 7 that can be visited from December 4 until the end of March 2026, thanks to which a whole era of memories will return to our memories.
Bernardo PazA professional colleague of Polakov’s — as her close friends referred to her — is the curator of this marvel that showcases some of the most emblematic works from her more than four-decade artistic journey. “Although it was complicated, in the end we were able to make an exhibition about a woman who had a very important work in Spain, especially in Madrid,” the photographer explains in a conversation with ABC.
“Normally at the Nikon Gallery there are group exhibitions of three or four or more photographers, but in Sylvia’s case it seemed to me worthy of study because she has so much wonderful material and so many unpublished photographs. In a way, this is a small tribute from me personally to someone who has been my partner and friend.”
The photographer is the author of some of the most emblematic nude images of the era of exposure
Best picture of Queen Sofia
Throughout her life, Sylvia Polakov managed to freeze indescribable moments, but without a doubt the moment that will always remain in history is the portrait she painted of the man. Queen Sofia In 1996.
Queen Sofia
An image that compares the goodness of time as it passes through the wife’s life Don Juan Carlos. In the famous photo, the Queen appears in a stunning white lace festive dress that she had already worn in 1986, during a state visit to Great Britain and at a dinner with Queen Elizabeth II. Reagan. With the band Charles III On her chest, Doña Sofía displays some of the most important jewels in her collection, such as the La Chata diadem, a gift from Elizabeth II to his daughter, Infanta IsabelTo attend her wedding with him Count Gerenti; Elizabeth II Necklace, Engagement Gift Francis of Assisi of Bourbon In 1846; Brooch also from La Chata; And the earrings she wore on the day of the announcement Juan Carlos I. “I think it is the most beautiful picture Doña Sofía ever painted in her life. “She never looked so beautiful,” admits Bernardo Paz. He adds: “In addition, if you see it today, it remains with the passage of time, because the photo reflects the moment in which it was taken and there are some that remain and are better preserved.”
Spanish aircraft group
Lola Flores
In addition to being a royal painter, most of the Spanish plane set and Madrid scene passed through Polakov’s lens. Isabel Pressler, Carmen Maura, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Ana Garcia Obregon, Rocio Durcal also Antonio Banderasamong many others, were some that were forever recorded by his camera. “I took pictures of Koplowitz When their divorce scandal came to light. Some of the photos were published all over the world and made the covers of many magazines around the world. “There was a complete information earthquake that stopped one of the most important economic integration processes,” Paz recalls.
Isabel Pressler
In addition to the night, Sylvia was also passionate about the Exposure Era, which she contributed to by photographing some of the most active women of the moment as a very young woman. Tita Cervera For “Interviú” or Amparo MuñozWho appeared with a belt over her breasts in one of the most legendary photos of Miss.
Ana Garcia Obregon
Polakov’s camera captured the full essence of our country’s golden age celebrities, with their impressive big parties. An ongoing series of well-known faces collected in its graphic archive and now open to the public in exhibition form.