Galicia's Director General of Culture, Anxo M. Lorenzo, inaugurated the exhibition Por los caminos de la vida: the Santy López photographic collection at the Provincial Historical Archive of Lugo, emphasising the significant role of public archives in preserving and promoting Galicia's photographic heritage.
Lorenzo explained that the exhibition, which will run until the first week of March 2027, showcases a selection of 140 images from a larger collection of 70,000 photographs donated by the photographer Santy López to the Consellería de Cultura, Lingua e Xuventude in 2023 for safekeeping at the archive.
He noted that the collection spans a broad timeline, with selected images reflecting the period from the late 1970s to 2022. This provides valuable historical and documentary insights into the society of late 20th century Galicia and beyond. The exhibition includes images related to the Caminos de Santiago, photojournalism, and collaborations with various writers and artists.
Lorenzo also highlighted that the addition of this collection significantly increases the number of photographs related to Sarria and its surrounding areas, as well as the Caminos de Santiago preserved in this public centre. This initiative enhances the documentary heritage stored in Galicia's public archives for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.
The exhibition is part of the Xunta's 2026 Exhibitions Programme, which aims to promote cultural engagement in Galicia, featuring over 70 exhibitions across 18 key cultural and artistic venues this year. This initiative reflects the Galician government's ongoing commitment to cultural access, citizen education, and the promotion of Galician creativity.
