PROGRESSO ARCHIVE – 006

In 2018, Borja Llobregat and Ostap Yashchuk embarked on a transformative journey, converting a vacant warehouse into RUGE, a DIY photo studio fueled by ingenuity and YouTube tutorials.

Their studio, lacking a blueprint, evolved daily, between a cozy home and a professional workspace, attracting both mainstream clients and fostering a vibrant creative community in Madrid.

Despite their success, plans to extend their lease were dashed when the building owner sold the premises to an investment firm, forcing Borja and Ostap to confront the impending departure of RUGE.

In response, they embarked on a mission to preserve RUGE’s essence, meticulously photographing every corner of the studio, capturing its spirit in a book that serves as both an archive.

Their story underscores the dynamic nature of creative spaces, emphasizing the importance of adaptation and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Through their documentation, RUGE’s legacy transcends its physical confines, offering a timeless glimpse into the heart and soul of a space that forever shaped Madrid’s creative landscape.

12x16 cm
Fabric Soft Cover
Design: Ostap Yashchuk & Borja Llobregat
Features editor: Andrea Lazarov
Proofreading: Heather Cameron
Printing: Nova Era, Barcelona
Publisher: Progresso

Supported by Carhartt WIP

Limited edition 150 copies