As the world becomes more interconnected, people have started to see the importance of storytelling, whether it is through literature, music, film, or art. Daniela Rivera Antara, a young Peruvian photographer, is a true master of visual storytelling, her work imbued with a subtle and profound sense of emotional depth. Her artistic vision is based on the idea of «feeling in order to see», a concept that has helped her create intimate portraits of people and cultures worldwide.
Early life and inspiration
Born in Lima, Peru, Daniela was exposed to art from a young age. She started painting and drawing at four years old, and her parents encouraged her to explore her creative side. She was trained in classical music, dance, and painting, which gave her a strong foundation in the arts. She was particularly inspired by the works of Italian and Spanish Renaissance artists and Latin American writers who told stories through magical realism and surrealism.
Daniela`s worldview was shaped by her upbringing, which involved living in Lima and Australia, and by her exposure to different cultures. She was always fascinated by people who pushed against the grain, whose dreams were larger than society-imposed limitations, and whose stories reflected the complexity of the human experience.
Exploring movement through photography
For Daniela, movement is the one thing all humans can relate to, and it has been a central theme in her work. Movement can take many forms – personal growth, leaving home, being forced to flee due to conflicts, making difficult decisions that could impact your day-to-day, or simply going for a walk or dancing. All of these experiences elicit emotions that are central to our experiences as human beings, and it is this emotional depth that Daniela captures in her photography.
«I am fascinated by how people move through the world and how they navigate the challenges that come their way», says Daniela. «Through my photography, I try to capture the essence of what it means to be human and highlight the experiences that we all share, regardless of our backgrounds».
Her work explores universal themes that impact people across countries, cultures, and backgrounds, and her approach to photography is emotionally led and evocative of sensations and dreams. This concept is evident in her recent project on Venezuelan women migrants published by National Geographic in May 2022.
Highlighting the Plight of Venezuelan Women Migrants
Venezuela is amid a severe political, economic, and social crisis, and millions of people have fled the country in search of a better life. Among them were women who have faced constant danger and discrimination, having been sexualized and stigmatized due to their appearance and external beauty. Daniela`s project sheds light on the experiences of these women and explores the emotions they go through as they navigate their new lives in Peru.
«I wanted to highlight the fact that their experiences, despite being unfair and profoundly traumatic, are inherently human and deserve to be seen and witnessed on a global scale,» says Daniela. «These women are powerful warriors, and I wanted to capture that strength in my photography».
The project was exhibited with the UN and the Defensoria del Pueblo in Peru, marking it the country`s first exhibition of its kind. Daniela`s work has been described as emotionally moving and powerful and has received recognition from international awards.
Exploring new creative territories
Daniela`s talents extend beyond photography. She is currently building a new podcast focusing on global affairs, sustainability, lifestyle, cultural exchanges, and other challenging topics, which will provide an avenue for her to share her unique perspective with a broader audience.
She is also working on a new project called «About Love», which will explore the intricacies of love through photography. This project is expected to capture the essence of intimacy and connection and will be exhibited in galleries and museums.
As Daniela continues to evolve her creative practice, her work remains grounded in the idea of «feeling in order to see». Her ability to capture the essence of human experience through her photography is a testament to her extraordinary abilities and artistry, and her dedication to highlighting the experiences of marginalized communities is inspiring. With her unique approach to storytelling, Daniela is poised to become one of the most influential Latin American photographers and artists of her generation. She is well on her way to establishing a solid career with private and business clients.
In conclusion, Daniela Rivera Antara`s artistic vision is a testament to photography`s power as a storytelling medium. Through her lens, she illuminates the sublime, capturing the essence of human experience and exploring the emotional depths of our shared existence. Her work is an inspiration to all those who seek to tell stories that matter, and it is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, there is beauty to be found in the world.
