The Capa Space is proud to announce a landmark exhibition celebrating the extraordinary work and legacy of pioneering photojournalist Gerda Taro. Opening April 5, 2025, “Witness: Gerda Taro’s Spanish Civil War” reclaims Taro’s singular voice and vision as a photographer whose work stands on its own merits, separate from her professional and personal relationship with Robert Capa.
Curated by Marie Keller, who previously curated The Capa Space’s acclaimed “This is Robert Capa” exhibition and authored its comprehensive brochure, this exhibition continues Keller’s thoughtful exploration of the Capa legacy and its extended circle of influential photographers.
Born Gerta Pohorylle in Stuttgart, Germany, Taro fled Nazi persecution in 1933 and reinvented herself in Paris as a politically engaged photojournalist. Her unflinching documentation of the Spanish Civil War established her as one of the first female war photographers and a passionate visual advocate for anti-fascist resistance.
“Gerda Taro’s photography represents the perfect embodiment of our mission at The Capa Space,” says Elise Graham, founder of The Capa Space. “Her commitment to using photography as a tool for social justice and her courage in documenting conflict firsthand exemplify the power of the ‘concerned photographer’ tradition we seek to honor and perpetuate.”
“Along with Robert Capa, Gerda Taro was a pioneer in the development of the photo essay as a way to communicate world events”, notes Marie Keller. “Had her brief career not been cut so short by her untimely death, she would surely have ranked among the great war photographers.”
Witness: Gerda Taro’s Spanish Civil War explores Taro’s distinct photographic style, characterized by intimate perspectives, dynamic compositions, and an unfailing empathy for her subjects. Despite her tragically short career—she was killed on the frontlines in Spain in 1937 at just 26 years old—Taro’s impact was profound. Her funeral in Paris drew thousands, a testament to the role she played in the Spanish Civil War.
Through carefully curated images, personal artifacts, and historical context, visitors will gain new appreciation for Taro’s significant contributions to photojournalism and her unwavering commitment to documenting the human cost of fascism.
- Exhibition Opening Reception: Friday, April 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
- Exhibition Dates: April 5 – July 20, 2025
- Location: The Capa Space 2467 Quaker Church Road, Yorktown
