Portsmouth expert celebrates major win at international event

A University of Portsmouth lecturer was recently honoured for her achievements at a prestigious photography festival in Madrid, Spain.

Ms Alejandra Carles-Tolra, from the School of Architecture, Art and Design at the University, was awarded best photography book of the year at PhotoEspaña, the largest photography event in Europe.

Ms Carles-Tolra’s book "The Bears", is an artist book consisting of a series of photographs portraying women who were part of Brown University’s rugby team between 2013-2015. 

It reflects the dynamic and collaborative nature of both the sport and the team, with its design reinforcing themes of community and shared experience. 

The book, made up of loose photo pairs kept in a folder, shows the lively and team-focused spirit of the sport and its players. The folder symbolises the team - a protective container for individual identities, while the unbound diptychs represent the freedom and fluidity of the players’ experiences, inviting multiple interpretations. 

Ms Carles-Tolra, whose work has been exhibited and published internationally at institutions including the National Portrait Gallery (UK), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (USA), Photo Miyota (Japan), and Somerset House (UK), was also named one of the creators of the Best Photo Books of the Year by Spanish newspaper El País in December 2024.

'I'm thrilled to have received this prestigious award, and grateful for this recognition of my work. The book offers a space to reflect on important questions regarding gender stereotypes,” says Ms Carles-Tolra.

The School of Architecture, Art and Design, supported by Portsmouth City Council, the British Council, and Arts Council England, inspires creativity and real-world skills. 

Emphasising collaboration, sustainability, and innovation, the School prepares students for successful creative careers through hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary experiences.

Photo credit: Ms Alejandra Carles-Tolra