RM has published "Kalabongó," a powerful photographic work by Jorge Panchoaga, a renowned Colombian photographer celebrated for his visual narratives that capture the cultural richness and complex history of Colombia. Panchoaga's body of work demonstrates his deep commitment to preserving and showcasing his country's identity, earning him both national and international recognition for his artistic contributions.
"Kalabongó" provides readers with a captivating and intimate glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and profound historical significance of an African American slave community located along the Colombian coast. This community played a crucial and pivotal role in negotiating the historic 1605 treaty with the Spanish Crown, marking a significant moment in Colombia's colonial history. All photographs in the collection are taken during nighttime hours, as Panchoaga explains that "the night is an accomplice of the light of freedom."
The photographs were captured in San Basilio de Palenque, a town that once served as a critical stronghold in the struggle for freedom but has since become largely obscured and unacknowledged in modern historical discourse. Through his distinctive photographic lens, Panchoaga reveals a profound and deeply moving story using a graphic language that is both visually striking and emotionally compelling. His work brings to light the forgotten narratives of a community that fought courageously for their autonomy.
The historical foundation of this story begins on a pivotal night in 1599, when thirty people—both women and enslaved men—courageously fled from the houses that comprised the heavily fortified walled city of Cartagena de Indias. Their desperate escape was driven by their relentless search for autonomy, territory, and most importantly, freedom from the bonds of slavery. Local oral histories preserve the memory that these maroons, as escaped slaves were known, moved swiftly across the land during times of intense struggle, boldly confronting Spanish colonial troops while simultaneously defending the fugitive settlers who had established mobile hamlets throughout the region.
After years of confrontations and negotiations with the Spanish Crown, these freedom fighters were finally granted a year of peace in 1605 through a groundbreaking treaty. This agreement is now recognized by historians as the first of its kind in what would eventually become modern-day Colombia. The sustained struggles waged by the maroons and the subsequent year of peace they achieved became the foundational seed and deep roots of what is now known as San Basilio de Palenque.
The title "Kalabongó," which translates to "fireflies" in the Palenquero language, serves as a metaphorical journey through various stories drawn from the rich oral history of both the distant and more recent past. The narrative skillfully weaves together the everyday experiences of community members with significant historical events, creating a comprehensive tapestry of their lived experiences. The personal stories of the villagers, combined with the evocative images that comprise "Kalabongó," serve as powerful reminders that "the night is the accomplice of the light of freedom."
The publication details reveal the scope and quality of this important work. "Jorge Panchoaga: Kalabongó" is published by RM as a hardbound edition featuring 144 pages with 88 carefully curated images. The book measures 24 x 30 cm (9.4 x 11.8 inches) and features design work by Estudio Herrera. This bilingual edition is presented in English with a Spanish language insert, making it accessible to both English and Spanish-speaking audiences. The book carries the ISBN 978-84-19233-73-8 and is available through Editorial RM's official website.
