Artist Statement | Loredana Denicola | Vulnerability & human connection in Photography

Artist Statement

I hold a deep respect for the beauty in our differences. My artistic journey has always been guided by a curiosity to connect with the unfamiliar, the "strange", and to explore the concept of self- estrangement - those hidden aspects of ourselves we often conceal. In my view, breaking down barriers begins with the willingness to engage with strangers, to visit their worlds, and, most importantly, to listen to their stories. Through these encounters, we can let go of our prejudices and preconceived ideas, reaching a deep understanding that connects 'us' and 'them'. Furthermore, I began this artistic journey with the hope that, by listening to others' genuine stories, I could learn more about myself and grow in self-acceptance.

I consider photography, as forms of healing.

Through intimate conversations with people I meet on the streets and online, I use images, text, and videos to embark on a journey of self-observation.

In this process, I do not seek to control the image; I let the relationship guide the shot.

I embrace the other’s vulnerability by sharing my own. What emerges is a visual testimony of the present moment, often surprising in its raw honesty. Photography gives me the opportunity to re-examine everything: who I am, what I feel, and what it means to be human.

I question the education I received, religion, and social norms.

Artistic expression becomes, for me, an act of freedom and transformation.

The result is an honest documentation of the present moment, sometimes startling in its raw sincerity. In this dance between observer and observed, mirror and reflection, we confront the question:

Do we like what we see?

My artistic practice is, at its core, an exploration of the transformative power of trust in human relationships. My artistic practice is, at its core, an exploration of the transformative power of trust in human relationships. Can we, as individuals, free ourselves from the habits we’ve cultivated - opinions, judgments, fears, attitudes, and values that no longer serve us today? What is truly real?