Ole Flamenco! is a new exhibition at Lancaster University Library featuring a selection of photographs, curated by award-winning artist Rina Srabonian, taken at Flamenco events in Spain and in the UK.

The exhibition, which starts this Friday (May 2), is brought to Lancaster by the Instituto Cervantes Manchester, Lancaster University’s new School of Global Affairs, the Consulate General of Spain in Manchester, Flamenco de Jerez, and the International Flamenco Instituto of Jerez.

Flamenco is an artistic expression fusing song (cante), dance (baile) and musicianship (toque) started in Andalusia, in southern Spain, which, since 2010, is inscribed in the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Through her lens, the artist, Rina Srabonian, portrays the strength, movement, and passion that Flamenco embodies within the community.

The exhibition, in the University Library foyer, is a visual journey showcasing renowned contemporary Flamenco artists such as Paula Comitre, Manuel Liñán, and Diego del Morao, alongside revered figures representing the roots and traditions of flamenco, including Tía Juana la del Pipa, Nano de Jerez, and Romerito de Jerez.

Born in the Middle East with an Armenian background, Rina Srabonian pursued studies in Interior Design at Manchester Metropolitan University and has lived in the UK ever since.

Passionate about Flamenco, she also captures her work as a photographer at the Festival de Bulería de Jerez in her collection, Ole Flamenco!

The official inauguration of the exhibition including an ‘an immersive experience’ will take place on May 8 at 1.15pm in the University Library (Flexible Space LG026) when Rina will attend a round table between Lancaster University Department of Sociology and the School of Global Affairs for a discussion about Flamenco as a global language and culture which has transcended Andalusia to belong to the world. The event will end with Rina’s performance of Flamenco singing.

You can book your free ticket for this event on Eventbrite (or please just turn up).

The exhibition will run to the end of May and is open to the public.