Interview: Andréa Lobel
Luca Curci talks with Andréa Lobel during MIXING IDENTITIES, second appointment of CANVAS INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, in Venice.

“I was born in the Hague, Netherlands and partially educated at the Academy for Photography and the School of Arts and Design. Photography to me is a way of communicating a certain feeling, observation or scenery, which is hard to capture in words. It’s also an attempt to somehow ‘silence’ the moment for a while.” – Andréa Lobel

Luca Curci – How did you get into photography? Do you remember why you took your first professional photo?
Andréa Lobel – From an early age, I was drawn to images, visual stimuli made a deep impression. And nowadays this is still the same. I love to look at images, artworks, the sky, people’s faces or the way light and shadow slide into the room. At some point, I felt that words couldn’t express to a full extent what I observed. Either I explained too much or as it seems, not enough.

LC – How is your creative process?
AL –Usually observations in my surroundings bottle up and then I focus on something that stands out; a certain gesture, shape or gaze that touches me. Most of the time I discover a pattern, maybe a rhythm in shape or movements and then a photographic series follows.

LC – Do visitors suggestions enrich yourself and your art?
AL – Absolutely, it moves me and helps to stay open to their ideas or enriching twists.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular Is it your medium of expression?
AL – Yes, definitely. I would have a hard time if I would t be able to communicate via photography. I think there’s a lot of beauty in the vulnerability of small, delicate details. Like the way, someone’s hair falls. My work is mainly in black and white and compact framing, for I feel it strengthens the focus on almost unnoticeable details.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition How did it inspire you?
AL – I like very much the diversity of this exhibition, not only in the geographic backgrounds of the artists but also in various forms of art and movements. At the opening of Mixing Identities there were 2 wonderful performing artists, whose performance, next to the beautiful artworks, filled the room as it were, with inspiration.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
AL – My work is called Breeze and consists of 3 highly contrasted black and white photos of my daughter spinning slowly around, along the seaside. She protected her eyes from the sun in a very beautiful way.In an attempt to capture this special moment, I rapidly took pictures of her. However, I realised that although printed and framed, the moment quickly passed by. I emphasised this by transferring the photos onto transparency films and then hanging them in free-floating frames picture (12: Breeze in the exhibition). This left the 3 images vulnerable to a breeze of air and somehow unprotected and blending in, into the passing moment.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
AL- It s a beautiful way to share artworks from well-known and emerging artists from all over the world.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us What do you think about our services?
AL – Of course, I think highly of the services offered.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
AL – It is a solid, positive energy organisation, with beautiful venues and an online platform, that could make a substantial difference for artists and art collectors in easily getting to know each other and sharing art and opportunities.