“Documentary photography is key to preserving memory” – Lucas Momparler, LABASAD student, and the power of the image

Lucas Momparler is a visual artist who has found in documentary photography a way to tell stories with depth and sensitivity. His initial training in architecture shaped his way of seeing the world, but his need to narrate led him to explore other media. Through photography, editorial design, and exhibition curation, Momparler has built a body of work that engages with memory, nature, and identity. In this interview, he shares his professional evolution, his experience in the Online Master’s in New Documentary Photography in Spanish at LABASAD, and his reflections on the power of the image in preserving history.

Lucas Momparler’s journey began in the world of architecture, but he soon discovered that his true passion lay in telling stories through images. “All creative fields have common points,” he says, “but architecture demands a lot of time and energy; it is difficult to combine it with other professions.” Over time, he realised that photography is more than just a hobby:

This transition process led him to find a balance in book design and layout, allowing him to continue exploring his photographic projects with greater freedom. However, his architectural training continues to influence his perspective: “My way of conceptualising and understanding a photographic project is greatly influenced by the working methodology of the architectural world. Like everything, it has its pros and cons, and finding a balance there is also important.”

One of the central themes in Momparler’s work is the relationship between photography and memory. His interest in historical archives and the reinterpretation of images from the past stems from a deep curiosity about history. “I have always been very curious about history—understanding the past to comprehend who we are in the present and what we want in the future,” he explains.

This interest materialised in his participation in the artistic residency L’Arxiu at the SCAN Festival in Tarragona. There, he researched the city’s relationship with the trees in Plaça de la Font through photographs and archival documents. “I discovered that 100 years ago, there were already neighbourhood movements defending the trees. Without scientific evidence of their importance, these movements emerged out of empathy, care, and intuition. Today, despite all the information we have, we still have to fight for society to understand the value of these living beings in our cities.”

For him, documentary photography plays a fundamental role in preserving memory: “Always understanding that photography is subjective, both in the photographer’s gaze and in the viewer’s. Even so, the photographic legacy helps us enormously to understand the past.”

One of his most personal projects is Family Roots, an exploration of memory and connection with nature through the trees in his family home. “The project stems from Where the Acanthus Grow, which I began in a class taught by Rita Puig-Serra and which has been exhibited at the Ojos Rojos Festival,” he says.

In this work, trees are treated as family members. “They have been companions and part of the family since my grandparents moved into the house more than 60 years ago. They take care of us, provide us with fruit, wood, and shade, asking for almost nothing in return. Some disappear, just like humans do, so why not give them a place to be remembered?”

Momparler has also experimented with other media such as fabric printing, embroidery, and sculpture to expand his way of telling stories. “Each project may require different media,” he explains. In Family Roots, for example, he incorporated textile and natural elements. “There is a photograph printed on fabric on which I have embroidered a tree map, locating the trees and their connections. It is a tribute to my grandmother and mother, who have always sewn.” He has also worked with branches and leaves to create pieces that reflect on loss and memory.

Education has been key to his artistic development. “I have been fortunate to learn from great photographers and artists, starting with the teachers at LABASAD,” he says. Now, he teaches workshops in Valencia where he helps his students find their own perspective. “I try to use photography as a tool to tell small stories, allowing each participant to discover their own way of approaching a common theme.”

His recent foray into exhibition curation has been another step in his professional evolution. “Curation blends architecture, design, and art. I am interested in exploring how to translate a project’s concept into an exhibition,” he explains.

Momparler has also participated in solidarity initiatives such as Salvem les Fotos, a project to recover images affected by the DANA storm. “It arose out of a need—the need to continue helping affected families,” he says. He has worked on organising and managing the received material, as well as learning about photographic restoration. “Families are very grateful. For many, recovering five or six photos is already a relief.”

These types of projects demonstrate the emotional and social impact of photography in times of crisis. “The recovery of these family albums, which represent the collective memory of the region, is incredibly important. It is not just a task of physical restoration, but also an emotional one.”

The Online Master’s in New Documentary Photography in Spanish was a turning point in his career. “There came a moment when I felt disconnected from photography,” he recalls. “I bought an analogue camera, discovered the Master’s programme, and things started to fall into place. Little by little, I began discovering the themes that interest me and building my artistic vision.”

The online and onlive format of the Master’s allowed him to combine his studies with his life in Sweden. “It is intense and requires dedication, but being able to attend live classes makes it more personal and accessible.” For him, the school can be defined in three words:

For Lucas, photography is a journey with no clear end but full of discoveries. “I will continue developing projects because, for me, it is a necessity. I want to keep talking about important things that make us reflect on our relationship with the planet.”

His advice for those looking to express themselves through photography is clear: “Surround yourself with people who help you express yourself. Technique can be learned, but perspective is unique. And be patient—this is a long-distance race”, he expressed.

With a career in constant evolution, Lucas continues to explore new ways of storytelling, preserving memory, and finding beauty in the details that surround us.

If you want to learn more about LABASAD and our Master’s programmes, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We are here to help you take the next step in your professional career.