Selected Essays
A selection of photo essays by Adiva Koenigsberg
La Tria: Cowboys of the Catalan Pyrenees
From June to September, 200 cows graze in Llessui’s ((Pallars Sobirà, Catalunya) high pastures between 1,600 and 2,200 meters above sea level . In October, cowboys gather them, leading half to a former ski slope where farmers select (la tria) and transport their cows home. These photos were made between October 5 to 6, 2020 accompanying the cowboys in this process called la tria (the selection).
The Tubaus, a family of farmers in uncertain times
For generations, the Tubau family has farmed in Pardines (Ripollès), adapting to an unpredictable climate. This year, drought in the Empordà halted their transhumance to Cap de Creus for the first time in a decade.
I have two mothers
Guiem Piñero Moll was born on April 9, 2021, at 9 p.m. to Olga Piñero Puig (37) and Lina Moll Arguimbau (39)—one carried him, the other provided the egg, here is the story of their home birth.
Mountains of Healing
In March 2021, I spent a few weeks with the Ribes Campdevànol Basic Health Area discovering what healthcare looks like in rural Catalunya.
The lives of the former homeless
In Barcelona, around 1,200 people live on the streets. In December 2021, I spent several weeks with former homeless individuals, volunteers, and staff of Arrels foundation, an organization with a clear objective: “That no one sleeps on the streets.”
Autumn Smugglers
Following the old smugglers' route from Beget to Prats de Molló, I traced a path through shifting landscapes in search of autumn’s colors. (November 2024)
Cap de Creus, between two titans
Cap de Creus, in the Alt Empordà Natural Park, is where the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees, two great titans, come together. Adiva Koenigsberg visited this 13,886-hectare reserve, accompanied by Josep Espigulé on land and José Mercado at sea. (August 2024)