Walking into the Clubhouse Lounge near The Dome@Rawdhat and climbing the stairs to the second level, your eyes are immediately drawn to a large and arresting portrait of an infinite desert. Moving further into the space, you will notice a photo exhibition of some nature scenes. The works are the production of aspiring artist Ana Sonia Vinatea, who expresses a deep affinity for exploring the world around her through the lens of her camera.
The exhibition, entitled Shutter Worlds: Landscapes in/out of focus, is scheduled to run until February 29. The Peruvian artist is exhibiting these images for sale, although what she prefers is feedback and interaction with onlookers. The images displayed are macro (when a shot is blown up) and micro (when a shot is reduced dramatically) shots of scenes from different nations, such as Lebanon, Peru, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Walking around and taking in the different images, it is clear that this budding photographer has a knack for the silent communication that is essential in photography.
The collection offers great pieces for sale; ranging in price from Dhs700 to Dhs2,000. With a mixture of black and white and colour images, any art appreciator will be able to establish a connection with some of the pieces.
We spoke to this vibrant new artist about her work.
What is it that inspires you?
My inspiration comes from just simply wanting to shut the whole world out and be alone in my head with my ideas – a form of escape from our world and into that mind of mine which doesn’t stop working even when relaxing or asleep. I get a lot of bouts of creativity, especially at night! My inspiration came very early in life as most of my family (on my father’s side) are artists. I grew up among many of them. The Vinatea family has a long tradition of known artists in Peru.
Since you’re new on the scene how have other artists responded to you?
Quite frankly they’ve not been all that receptive. I have been doing art for a long while and the way most other artists act isn’t all that helpful. I have tried communicating with them but I feel they see me as a competition, or maybe a threat. They often seem vague when I ask for a little direction at least. They just seem uninterested. So I actually do not interact with many artists and get more encouragement from family and friends. My sister is an amazing artist and works for the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. She really pushes me and encourages me from far away.
What do you hope people take from your art?
More than anything I like people to see or feel what I am seeing. I know photography isn’t everyone’s passion but nowadays it is so much easier for people to get into because it is digital. Everyone can do it, and everyone can develop their own style. I just hope people can see things from my angle, like it and feel inspired.
When did you first decide to become a photographer?
I cannot even remember the first time I picked up a camera but I remember having a real interest in cameras and gadgets; taking them apart and exploring, as far back as maybe five or six years old. I got into trouble for dissecting cameras – that’s what I remember! I had a Polaroid at the age of seven.
How has the response been so far from people around you?
People around me really like what I do. They think I have an eye for things that most don’t notice. My family and friends are the ones who actually push me to do this – I am just too critical of myself!
You experiment with macro and micro photography styles, is there one you prefer over the other?
I enjoy macro photography more as I have always had a tendency towards abstract art. Funnily enough I always thought that if I wanted an object or a scene on paper I should just take a photo of it, which is exactly what I’m doing! With macro photography you can zoom into a universe no one is paying too much attention to or none at all. Some do not see it at all! I have become an expert at pushing any lens to catch some of those little universes. I also love that you cannot tell what something is at a first glance or until someone points it out. I like anything that is further than the eye can see.
What do you do in your free time besides art?
If I’m not doing art, then I am either dealing with rescue cats, as they are a handful, or I like getting away from the city and going camping. I love travelling and it’s one of my main sources of inspiration. I also enjoy cooking very much.
To contact Ana, email mamones@emirates.net.ae (050 558 2475).
