Interview: Cecilia Fernandez

In conversation with photographer Cecilia Fernandez from San Lorenzo, Argentina.

Can you talk about your journey into or interest in the arts?

I have been interested in the arts since I was a little child. I remember myself feeling attracted to paintings. I have always been very curious and I think that what attracts me more are the feelings and emotions you can personally experience while contemplating the artistic object or performance. In my childhood I used to dance ballet, and the sensation of the music throwing the body is something I cannot describe with words; it’s a huge emotion inside me, under my skin.

Your work is very open in its nature and reveals the fragility of our lives. You used the phrase ‘photographs of a world that is strangely inhabited’. Can you elaborate on what you are exploring through your work?

Through my work I try to express myself. Sometimes my feelings are a bit complex, and words are not enough to transmit the depth of these emotions which are part of this world I inhabit. When I say that I ‘inhabit strangely’ I am talking about the idea of not understanding completely what happens to me. It’s like being in limbo, where I am . . . me, my feelings, my body, my mind . . . all of them trying to be friends.

What influences you?

There are many things that inspire me, such as colours, textures, emotions, people! – but I can say that music is the most inspirational tool. My body feels a lot through music and this sometimes needs to be shown in pictures. It is like a valse [dance] between the music, the body and the pictures.

Another thing that inspires me a lot is the feeling of freedom and how sexuality influences this. Many of my images have a sensual atmosphere, because I consider that our bodies can express a lot of sensuality no matter how we are physically.

Do you find the process of creating work relaxing or therapeutic?

I started to take self-portraits about four years ago, as a way of self-acceptance. In the past I did not accept my self-image at all, so after a period of time taking photos I realised that I felt better in how I saw myself. At the same time, when I take photographs I can let go of a lot of thoughts – I can liberate my mind and my soul, feeling the lightness of the body. I dare say that the process is definitely therapeutic.