Interview: Graça Tirelli
Luca Curci talks with Graça Tirelli, honourable mention of ITSLIQUID International Contest – 14th edition.

“In the aesthetic research of textures, I sought an opportunity to immerse myself in the intricate forms created by nature while documenting human interventions in the environment, demonstrating how human presence can alter the natural landscape. Anthropogenic elements, such as tree scars caused by human actions, gain meaning through the lens of the camera. These marks of human presence in the landscape, although viewed as interferences, also portray the complex relationship between humans and the environment. Thus, I challenge viewers to reflect on our connection with nature and the impact of our actions on the world around us.”

Luca Curci – How important is the editing process in your work? How’s yours?
Graça Tirelli – Impact and Simplicity. Photographic editing is important to enhance the aesthetics of images and express my artistic sensitivity. Through filters, color saturation, and contrasts, I can create an impactful yet simple result. The skillful use of light in post-production also helps highlight essential elements in the image. Mastering this process allows me to convey emotions, tell stories, and create captivating and original photographs.

LC – When did you realize that photography could also be a life lens?
GT – Photography, as a lens of life, takes on an individualized and unique dimension for me. It’s a personal perspective, a distinct way of seeing the world and relating to nature. This singular vision is reflected in my composition choices, captured nuances, and the natural elements that evoke my sensitivity. This is how curiosity and research of elements work for me.

LC – How do you choose your subjects? Is it a reasoned or an instinctive process?
GT – The choice comes from my constant connection with nature, which inspires me in this quest. By combining intuition and curiosity, I allow myself to be guided by both heart and mind in the search for captivating and memorable images. Intuition and curiosity work in harmony, enabling me to develop a deeper and more authentic gaze, seeking my unique voice in photography. This balanced approach can result in powerful photographs.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it your medium of expression?
GT – Yes, absolutely, both in photography and painting. It’s a constant pursuit of innovation, experimentation, and authenticity, challenging me to capture the world in a more personal and meaningful way. It becomes an artistic expression reflecting a deep connection between nature and myself. Art transcends mere images and becomes a living expression of my soul and journey in this world.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
GT – Through photography, through art, I find a continuous renewal in the way I look at the world, allowing me to discover the hidden beauty in seemingly ordinary details. Through my work, I aspire to touch the emotions and imagination of the viewer, provoking a renewal in their own perspectives. I want to invite them to see the world through new lenses, to appreciate the simplicity and complexity intertwined in each scene, and to find beauty even in the most ordinary things. My photographs are not just static images but visual stories that echo the sensitivity and emotions that permeate my journey as an artist.