ECHOES OF IDENTITY

PAOLA FERRAROTTI

// Paola, originally from Argentina and now based in Germany, comes from a diverse academic background, having studied Political Science, International Relations, Linguistics, and Literature. Having rediscovered photography later in life, she is now embarking on a journey of exploration, venturing into diverse photographic genres. Her conceptual series “Echoes of Identity” merges street photography with reflection of the self in spaces that surround us.

While photography is a more recent endeavor, she has pursued it primarily through self-study, learning through practice. Paola is particularly drawn to documentary work, finding them to be powerful tools for exploring the human condition in a raw and authentic manner. Writing also plays a significant role in her life, with her work often delving into themes of identity, the search for meaning, and existential questions. Paola aims to utilize both photography and writing as means of reflection on these topics, striving to create work that resonates with others who share similar explorations of life and self.

“When I make my drawings… the path traced by my pencil on the sheet of paper is, to some extent, analogous to the gesture of a man groping his way in the darkness.”

Alberto Giacometti
(quoted in In Giacometti by James Lord, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1985)

What do you like best about this conceptual project?

I really love the concept behind this series—at least for myself. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of searching for identity amidst the “chaos” of the world and life. The photos might not be technically perfect, and I still need to work more deeply on this project, but the truth is, I never set out to create a project in the first place. It all started as a natural idea that grew on its own, without me consciously searching for it. And I really like that. I’m more and more interested in the development of the idea of becoming another element of the story being told through the photo. I like to see myself as a subject in an image. Not as an admiration of my image, but as a search for my identity. My presence in that particular place, at that particular moment, is what interests me. Every second we live shapes us, and I aim to discover parts of my identity reflected in those moments.

What draws you to the arts?

Art has been a part of my life since I was very young. I was introduced to various forms of art, motivated by my parents, and my fascination with painting, sculpture, music, dance, literature, and cinema has only grown over the years. Whether I’m experiencing a performance, visiting a museum, or creating art myself, I feel moved. Art awakens emotions within me, and this connection to those emotions is deeply fulfilling. It allows me to explore and understand myself and the world around me, providing a space where I can reflect, question, and express my innermost self. Art is both a journey of self-discovery and an invitation to see the world from different perspectives.

Paola’s photo series explores the interplay between self and environment through reflections captured in mirrors and glass surfaces encountered during her travels. These reflections serve as a visual record of her self-awareness in new and unfamiliar settings. Often captured in locations she hasn’t visited in a long time or is discovering for the first time, these images depict Paola positioning herself within the reflective surface, merging her image with the surrounding space. This visual representation aims to explore how she interacts with the environment and how it influences her sense of self. The reflections symbolize a fusion of identity and place, emphasizing not just her image, but the deeper connection she forms with her surroundings. Paola strives to capture the essence of each moment, encompassing both her presence and the complexity of the space, highlighting their coexistence and its impact on her experience.

To achieve this, Paola focuses on reflections, angles, and light to create a sense of ambiguity where her figure blends seamlessly with the environment. She experiments with depth of field to blur the lines between reality and reflection, and sometimes employs long exposure techniques to capture the fleeting nature of these encounters. Though the project is conceptual, the process is often spontaneous, responding to the unique qualities of each space and Paola’s immediate connection to it.

Paola’s project offers a profound reflection on identity, time, change, and the individual’s relationship with the world. By documenting these fleeting reflections, including her own, alongside those of others, Paola charts her own physical journey through various locations while simultaneously exploring deeper philosophical and emotional ideas. The series invites viewers to contemplate their own internal journeys, prompting them to consider how they perceive themselves within the context of their surroundings. Paola’s work transcends travel documentation, exploring how individuals merge with their environments, adapt to change, and evolve their sense of self through their experiences.

Click on the photos to see the full image with title, some images may be cropped for layout.