Tarjeta postal y postal turística: «Spain is different»

Abstract

The basis of Joan Rabascall’s work are printed texts and images found in published media. His work, which circles ethnographic studies, focuses on tourist publications, and manily on postcards. The «Marca España» during the Franco era is a fundamental line in the work of Rabascal. Following this line, Rabascall has written for SOBRE_N5 a historical, linear essay about the postal card and its link with social, artistic movements and, naturally, with tourism during Spain in the 70s and 80s. This is a story made up of images and text that place us within a social context where the postcard is a main part, since it contributes to its creation: it diffuses the imaginary of «the Spanish», while reflecting the rancidity of the images of the tourism in Spain after the 70s. The selected images come from the artist’s collection and make up a frieze and a frame to fit the text, creating both, an artist’s work.