Bathing Pools, is a series of images captured by Mateo Gómez from 2009-2011, where he analyzes the social hierarchy, communal and non-communal aspects, and the simple desire to relax through bathing via images of pools located throughout the center of Colombia. Gómez investigates the surroundings, people, bathing suits, flora, social interactions, decorations, motors, and inflatables, amongst others, so that we can personally identify with these common recreational locations.

While many contemporary photographers now use digital mediums, Gómez has used some of the last rolls of Ektachrome film in Colombia. These medium format images are rich in detail and exude a color that is very representative of Colombian light, with both grayish, overcast tones and high contrast, sun-filled scenarios. He is one of only a few photographers in Colombia that is dedicated to this now forgotten medium.

Gómez began his artistic career with a series concisely titled Gallos (Roosters), where he investigated the culture surrounding cock fights in Colombia. It is a very treasured pastime in the country that embarks on a religious nature with owners taking more care of their roosters than of themselves. This series, as well as Punto Penal (Penalty) which investigated soccer posts in mainly rural locations, extends to the photographer’s analytical perspective towards the social status and resulting stratification of Colombia. Like many photographers before him, Gómez focuses on his subjects in a documentarian aspect and produces a diverse, metaphoric series of images that capture the identity of a select group of people and situations.