Photography
“untitled” (2024)
This series showcases a dress handmade in collaboration with Maria Martinez, blending influences from West African and Portuguese colonial gowns. Each element of the dress is meticulously crafted, embodying a powerful dialogue between historical and contemporary narratives, with dressmaking and photography merging to create a multidimensional art piece.
The gown features badges with provocative inscriptions—“Slut,” “Puta,” and “Poca”—symbolizing reclamation and defiance. These words challenge societal norms and invite reflection on identity, agency, and cultural legacy. The delicate veil, handmade in the North of Portugal, adds a layer of traditional craftsmanship, contrasting with the boldness of the badges.
The styling and red backdrop intensify the imagery, with photography capturing themes of strength, vulnerability, and heritage. The interplay of textiles, craftsmanship, and visual composition transforms this work into a meeting of cultures, histories, and emotions, brought to life through the synergy of dressmaking and photography.
“a woman destroyed”(20204)
The photography in A Woman Destroyed was an essential element that elevated the storytelling to profound heights. By featuring the same women posed both provocatively and innocently, the work illuminated the shifting societal judgments imposed on women as they navigate self-expression. The women themselves remained unchanged—what evolved was the perception, offering a powerful commentary on how women perform and are scrutinized within constructs of gender.
Visually, the photographs were striking and deliberate. Dramatic lighting and stark contrasts in color heightened the emotional tension, while the near-absence of natural light created a distinctly artificial atmosphere. The dark, moody palette enveloped the scenes, reinforcing themes of judgment, distortion, and societal imposition. The artificiality of the visuals amplified the sense of performance and constructed identity, making every pose and every glance feel deliberate, scrutinized, and theatrical. This aesthetic unity tied the installation together, with the photography serving not only as a means to preserve the work but also as a medium that deepened its conceptual impact.
“This is not a love story” (2023)
The stills from This is Not a Love Story capture the film's evocative journey through color, mood, and minimalist design. Each image is a window into the protagonist's transformation:
Chapter 1: Solitude - A butterfly's wings are delicately projected onto her bare back as she sits on an empty bed in a dimly lit purple room. The simplicity of the composition emphasizes her emotional confinement, with the muted tones and minimal surroundings serving as a visual metaphor for isolation and longing.
Chapter 2: Infatuation - Drenched in somber hues, this chapter captures the weight of the protagonist's turbulent relationship. Her lover sits on the edge of the bed, his head resting heavily in his hand, while she glares at him from the opposite side, their physical distance mirroring their emotional disconnection. A deep red spotlight casts an ethereal, haunting glow over the scene, intensifying their vulnerability and the turmoil of their bond.
Chapter 3: Heartache - The protagonist lies on the floor, alone beneath a piercing red light. Black candles flicker around her as she wears a veil, cradling a clay-covered flower in her hands. The darkness and crimson hues signal a turning point, encapsulating grief and loss. Dynamic compositions and shifting light evoke a sense of raw emotion and movement, embodying her tentative steps toward rediscovery and self-awareness.
Chapter 4: Healing - Set against a projection of a cloudy sky, the protagonist stands surrounded by six women who rest their heads on her shoulders, all dressed in soft white. The gentle, natural palette creates a tender atmosphere, celebrating intimacy and connection. These images honor the strength and beauty of female friendships, showcasing the solace found in authentic companionship and the protagonist's journey toward inner peace and wholeness.
Through its lo-fi aesthetic, the stills reveal the film’s delicate interplay of emotion, style, and classical artistry, inviting viewers into its timeless yet personal narrative.
