Beyond Aesthetics: Photographer Clara Alonso on Narrative, the Human Body, and Creative Essence
The Madrid-Based Photographer on Sensibility, Silence, and the Search for Self
We delve into the creative mind of the Spanish artist, exploring her inspirations from contemporary dance to the masters of light, and her thoughtful perspective on art in the digital age.
There is a profound sense of intention in the work of Clara, a Spanish photographer who honed her craft in Milan and now creates from her base in Madrid. Her journey, which began in her teenage years, has evolved into a dedicated practice focused on understanding the "why" behind the image. More than just creating beautiful compositions, Clara seeks to capture a feeling—a narrative shaped by light, the human form, and a deep sense of self-awareness. We were captivated by her thoughtful answers and her call for a more sensitive, slower world.
A Multidisciplinary Well of Inspiration
Clara’s influences are as varied as they are deeply felt. She cites the raw sensibility of Peter Lindbergh, the powerful sculptural shaping of Herb Ritts, and the intricate narrative tableaus of Gregory Crewdson. Yet, her inspiration extends far beyond the photographic medium.
"I feel a strong connection with contemporary dance and the shapes of the human body," she shares. "I love light, air and water." This connection to elemental and physical artistry informs her work, giving it a dynamic and often ethereal quality. Her concepts can originate from deep philosophical thoughts or simply a compelling aesthetic she feels driven to explore.
The Creative Process: Perfectionism Meets Adaptability
Clara describes herself as a perfectionist, always striving to surpass her previous work. For her, the artistic process is deeply introspective: "I think art mostly consists of knowing yourself and why you do what you do."
This self-knowledge is crucial when translating a vision into reality. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication with her team and the ability to adapt to the inevitable challenges of a shoot without losing the core essence of the idea. Her goal for the future is to find larger, stable projects and to collaborate with talented people to create "amazing work."
A Solitary Year of Transformation
The pandemic period was a transformative time for Clara. As a self-professed solitary person, the enforced isolation became an unexpected therapy.
"This year has changed me in every single way... I realized what are my priorities in life and I gained a lot of self-confidence. It was a great therapy!"
This period of introspection gave her the clarity to decide where she wants to direct her future, emerging with a stronger sense of self.
Questioning Icons and the Modern Art World
Clara holds a critical and thoughtful view of modern society. She is "not too much into icons and celebrities," questioning the structures that create them.
"Sometimes I feel that the world is full of hate and there is a big lack of sensitivity in our time. People who can change that in any way and care for the future of the planet should be icons for all of us."
This sensitivity extends to her critique of the art world, which she feels is "a bit collapsed." She points to the immense pressure from social media, which forces artists to constantly produce and consume, blurring the line between creating for oneself and creating for likes.
"Sometimes I don’t know if we create things that we like or that others will like. I think the world in general needs to slow down and appreciate the silence, it always holds a lot of answers!"
Finding Wellbeing in Simplicity
For Clara, wellbeing is a simple yet profound concept rooted in satisfaction and intention. It’s about "being satisfied with yourself, using your time wisely and doing things that you like." It involves staying motivated, being surrounded by loved ones, and cultivating good sensations.
And for a photographer who values human connection and a good atmosphere on set, one feeling encapsulates it all: "One of my favourite feelings is the one after a photoshoot that has worked perfectly in a good atmosphere."
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/claraalonso.photo/
Website : https://claraalonsophoto.wixsite.com/work
