Deconstructing Hegemony: An Interview with Photographer Bettina Pittaluga on Authenticity
Bettina
Paris · French-Uruguayan · Sociology · Documentary · ActivismA French-Uruguayan photographer whose sociology background and years as a reporter trained her eye to see the world as it is — not as it is so often portrayed. Her lens is a tool for representation, truth, and social change.
"I am focused on giving a voice and visibility to those who are not or too little represented. It is very important to me to do everything to deconstruct this hegemony — I am committed to invoke all these fights until they are won."
— BettinaIn a world saturated with curated perfection, the work of Paris-based photographer Bettina arrives like a breath of fresh air. She doesn't just capture an image — she captures a soul, a moment of truth, a powerful emotion.
The tension between the absence and presence of the photographer in the images — the opportunity to witness the life of another and connect. Bettina focuses on human beings to deconstruct the supremacy of whiteness, youth, heterosexuality and thinness in the media, in an honest way.
How did your background shape your photography?
Her studies in sociology and her time as a reporter have trained her eye to see the world as it is, not as it is often portrayed. This has evolved into a powerful artistic mission — one that moves beyond aesthetics and into the realm of activism, using the lens as a tool for social change and representation.
"I am committed to invoke all these fights until they are won."
Who and what inspires you?
Bettina draws inspiration from the vibrant circle of talented friends and creators around her — an eclectic, community-oriented ecosystem of Black and marginalised artists, musicians, and thinkers.
"…and many others, the list is too long!"
"To me, the relationship needs to exist, even if it is very short-lived. Human connections, sharing, confidence — for my part it is vital to my creation. It's always a shared creation."
"I build an area of consideration, respect and caring all round, and I let the person be."
This philosophy creates a safe, collaborative space where her subjects can reveal their most authentic selves — resulting in photographs that feel incredibly intimate and real. For Bettina, the technical aspects of photography are secondary to the human connection required to create a meaningful portrait.
What are you working on and looking forward to?
"I think this wasn't the right moment to think about being productive or creative. I believe it was a time to focus on civic responsibility. Since the end of quarantine, it only strengthens my struggles."
"I am very grateful. I have a lot of things coming up — I am working on documentaries, music videos, and two exhibitions that are really important to me."
"Hoping to share a lot of love through my photographs."
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Read on Antakly Projects ↗Antakly Projects — originally Ninu Nina — has been in conversation with photographers, artists, activists and creatives from around the world since 2003. Bettina's committed practice is exactly the kind of work this platform was built to amplify.
Explore the photography archive →
And for the personal rants, opinions you didn't ask for, and the occasional existential spiral: follow me on Substack.
It's always a shared creation. ✦
