Lost in the Aisles: The Retro Beat of El Setanta-Nou
Monochrome photography from Barcelona in Spain
Beyond Barcelona’s grand architectural facades, the city harbours small havens dedicated to nostalgia and niche culture. This photograph captures the vibrant, busy entrance of El Setanta-Nou (The Seventy-Nine), a shop that likely specialises in music, film, or retro media, suggested by its bold, vintage graphic sign.
The composition is dense and dynamic. The large, stylised sign at the top, reminiscent of 1970s and 80s design, immediately sets a retro vibe. The black and white processing throws the shop into sharp focus, transforming the walls of media—CDs, DVDs, or perhaps records—into a captivating checkerboard of titles. The cluttered shelves reinforce the sense of a dedicated collector’s space, inviting exploration.
Figures are captured mid-browse, reinforcing the atmosphere of absorption. A man with his back to the camera studies a display rack, while another patron examines items near the interior. The interior lighting, created by a series of clustered track lights, creates bright, focused pools that highlight the merchandise, drawing customers deeper inside.
This image beautifully captures a specific cultural vein in Barcelona: the celebration of music, film, and media history. It’s a compelling look at the contemporary urban collector’s experience, providing a vibrant, slightly chaotic counterpoint to the city’s ancient streets.