The Aviators · Curiosity · One Story Led to Another

A few days before the opening of an aviation exhibition in Teruel, I found myself standing in Plaza del Torico watching something I never expected to see. A historic airplane was being carefully pulled through the city's narrow medieval streets beneath centuries-old Mudéjar towers. Naturally, I stopped.

Curious, I asked what was happening. Someone explained that the aircraft would become part of Volar, una Aventura, an exhibition opening a few days later in the former Bank of Spain building in Plaza de San Juan. Before the exhibition officially opened, an inaugural ceremony would take place nearby in Plaza del Seminario.

When opening day arrived, I joined the crowd with my camera. Local officials, military representatives, museum staff, and invited guests gathered for the ceremony before walking together through the streets to the exhibition.

I had come to photograph airplanes. Instead, I found myself drawn to the people.

Pilots, veterans, museum curators, and members of the Spanish Air and Space Force shared stories that revealed not only the history of aviation, but also the pride, dedication, and sense of service behind it.

Looking back, I realize that exhibition quietly changed the direction of my work.

What began as simple curiosity became a series of invitations to photograph military ceremonies, commemorations, and communities across Aragón. Those experiences eventually led to my exhibition, Honor y Compromiso.

Living in Spain has taught me that some of the most meaningful stories are never planned. They begin with a conversation. A recommendation from a friend. Or simply the curiosity to stop and ask why an airplane is being pulled through the streets of a medieval city.