Photographing Uxue Barkos: Journalism, Politics, and Absolute Resilience
Press and editorial photography allows us to discover stories of profound human strength. Recently, I worked on a very special assignment for the renowned project “Gente del 64”. I had the excellent opportunity to photograph the well-known Navarrese journalist and politician Uxue Barkos Berruezo. She was born in Pamplona in 1964. She is a journalist by profession and a natural communicator. Since 2004, she has proudly served as a member of the Congress of Deputies. She also stands out as a councillor and spokeswoman for the Nafarroa Bai coalition in Pamplona.
The Intimate Portrait of a Bridge Generation
Our intense photo session took place in a central and sunny hotel in Madrid. The meeting coincided exactly with a major national political debate in Parliament. Through my camera, I sought to capture her well-known, overflowing vital energy. Barkos defines herself as part of an active bridge generation. These are the professionals born in the sixties who connect the past with our social future.
She absorbed a true passion for politics directly from her own family environment. Her career took a brave turn when she left her comfortable role as a correspondent for Basque public television. Decidió implicarse a fondo—she decided to dive deep into the complex arena of Basque-Navarrese politics. She always firmly defended peaceful and democratic paths. She marked a clear and forceful distance from any form of violence. Her solid character was forged by constantly working from the tough political opposition.
A Relentless Fighter Against Adversity
Beyond her successful public persona, her private life is a true example of resilience. During our conversation, Barkos spoke with absolute naturalness about her tough battle against cancer. She faced this serious illness with the unconditional and daily support of her family. Her husband, her mother, and her son Xabier became her great vital pillars.
This difficult personal experience taught her to look closely at inevitable human vulnerability. Despite natural fears, her immense desire to live always remained completely intact. The final images of this photo report capture precisely that clean, strong, and combative gaze.
Preserving Visual and Written Memory
Committed journalism and active politics intertwine naturally in her valuable biography. Her profound reflections prove that you can be a loser without ever being defeated. Unfortunately, some original interviews from that era can no longer be found online. This reminds us of the immense fragility of digital information on today’s internet.
The complete interview you can find over here (Spanish).
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