Sebastián Bruno: The Dynamic
The Dynamic presents the story of Wales’ most distinctive local newspaper, its editors Tony and Julian, and the community they represent as told by the paper’s former staff photographer, Sebastián Bruno.
The Dynamic was first published in Abertillery in May 2015 with a circulation of 5000, and continued to be published regularly for two years. Behind the newspaper were two men— Tony and Julian, one computer and a printing contract. It was a cultural success but a financial disaster. With uncompromising vision, the newspaper campaigned to Remain in the EU referendum in the region, Blaenau Gwent, which had the highest Leave vote in Wales. The short but intense life of the newspaper coincided with some of the most tumultuous years in contemporary British history, marked by the coming of fake news, austerity policies and Brexit.
This exhibition brings together photographs, archive material, film and installation to immerse visitors in Tony and Julian’s universe.
A photobook of The Dynamic has been published by ICVL to coincide with the exhibition at Martin Parr Foundation.
About the Author
Sebastián Bruno is an Argentine photographer, filmmaker, and lecturer who divides his time between Paris, France, and Newport, Wales. He has a strong educational background, having pursued a Master’s degree in Documentary Photography at the University of South Wales in Cardiff, UK, from 2017 to 2018. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Documentary Photography at the same university in Newport, UK, from 2012 to 2015.
Sebastián’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, showcasing his talent and artistic vision. Some notable exhibitions include “TA-RA” at Fundación Sa Nostra in Palma de Mallorca, Spain in 2023, “The Dynamic” at the Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol, UK in 2023, “Newport / Lab” at Diffusion Festival in Newport, Wales in 2021, and “Duelos y Quebrantos” at Fotoraum in Cologne, Germany and JaipurPhoto in Jaipur, India in 2018. His photographs have also been displayed online, such as in the Photographic Museum of Humanity exhibition “Which Europe?” in 2018.
Sebastián has received several distinctions for his work, highlighting his achievements and contributions to the field. He was the recipient of the Premio Mallorca de Fotografía Contemporánea in Palma de Mallorca, Spain in 2022. He has also been awarded grants from the Arts Council of Wales for research and development as well as project development. In 2020, he was nominated in the Breakthrough category at the BAFTA Cymru Awards in the UK.
His works have been published in various forms, including the photobook “TA-RA” by Ediciones Anómalas in Barcelona, Spain in 2023, “The Dynamic” by ICVL in Bristol, UK in 2023, and “Duelos y Quebrantos” by Ediciones Anómalas in Barcelona, Spain in 2018. Sebastián has also self-published a 32-page newspaper titled “Blaenau Gwent Photography Special” in Abertillery, Wales in 2017.
In addition to his photography, Sebastián has ventured into the realm of filmmaking. He contributed to the production of “The Dynamic Duo,” a documentary featured on BBC Wales in 2019.
Sebastián Bruno: The Dynamic
20 APR – 02 JUL 2023
Martin Parr Foundation – Bristol – UK
