Yago Soria Díaz, LABASAD Student, Wins El Gran Proyector 2025 with His Project “Chasing Dragons”

Last Wednesday, 28th May, the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm hosted the fourth edition of El Gran Proyector, consolidating itself as the premier annual event for emerging photography in Barcelona. Organised by Foto Colectania, this competition brings together the best works by students from the Photography Partner Schools.

This year, at LABASAD, we are immensely proud that Yago Soria Díaz, a student of the Online Master’s in New Documentary Photography in Spanish, was declared the winner of El Gran Proyector 2025 with his project “Chasing Dragons”.

Originally from Mallorca, Yago has built his career driven by curiosity and exploration, observing the world through the lens of his camera. This constant quest to understand his surroundings gave rise to Chasing Dragons, a brilliant project reflecting on the symbolic transformation of the dragon in contemporary China.

Traditionally revered, the dragon has become an icon turned into a consumer object within a society shaped by capitalist acceleration. From a conscious Western perspective, Yago delves into the tension between tradition and commodification, constructing a visual narrative that avoids simplifications.

“I couldn’t tackle complex cultural themes when my view of this country had been built on clichés,” admits the author himself. Therefore, he chose to start from a superficial gaze and allow the photographic process to gradually reveal the true nuances and complexities. This methodological honesty enables him to avoid simplistic interpretations and to explore the symbol from within.

El Proyector offers an annual programme running since 2010, aimed at supporting and promoting photographic projects by students from Foto Colectania’s Partner Schools. Throughout the cycle, outstanding works are selected and exhibited publicly, providing visibility and direct contact with the professional sector.

Representing LABASAD, five students participated in this edition: Mora Dreszman, Alfonso Durán, Marcela Landeros, Felipe Bracho, and Yago Soria, who was selected as a finalist to represent our school at the grand final of El Gran Proyector.

The El Gran Proyector gala is the climax of the cycle, where the best photographic project of the year is awarded among the finalists from each school. The event took place at the iconic Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm, supported by organisations such as Fujifilm and the Damm Foundation.

Yago was unable to attend in person, but his award was collected on his behalf by Toni Amengual, Director of the Online Master’s in New Documentary Photography, and Mireia Texidor, his Academic Coordinator.

Beyond the awards ceremony, the evening included photographic product showrooms, live music, and participation from prominent professionals in the world of photography. A festive event celebrating young talent and offering a unique space to connect, inspire, and share.

Behind this initiative is Foto Colectania, a non-profit organisation founded in 2002 with the aim of promoting photography in its artistic, educational, and social dimensions. Over more than 20 years, it has created a dynamic ecosystem of exhibitions, publications, and activities centred on critical thinking and reflection on the communicative power of images. Its work is recognised as fundamental in the national and international photographic landscape.

From LABASAD, we warmly congratulate Yago on this well-deserved recognition. His victory in El Gran Proyector 2025 not only highlights his talent and sensitivity as an author but also reinforces our school’s commitment to demanding, contemporary photographic education connected to real-world challenges.

We are confident this achievement is just the beginning of a promising future!