Beyond the Body:Unraveling the Ties Between Food, Feeling, and Form

In my work, I delve into the complex ties between food, emotions, and body image. Drawing from my journey with emotional hunger, I challenge beauty standards and societal norms, fostering introspection and dialogue through photography.

My artistic journey, deeply rooted in the interplay of food, emotions, and body image, reflects a personal and cultural narrative that spans continents and experiences. Born in Rio de Janeiro and now working in Miami, my work transcends the boundaries of traditional photography, venturing into the realms of conceptual art to explore the intricate relationships that define our existence.

My life has always revolved around food. The complexities of flavors, textures, and aromas, along with the social etiquettes and cultural rituals that surround meals, have always intrigued me. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, I experienced a significant duality. On one hand, the impact of the city’s unique beauty and the joy of its people shaped my personality; on the other hand, the beach culture and the pressure for an “ideal” physical appearance exerted a negative influence, creating an internal conflict that has always accompanied me.

Gastronomy has consistently played a significant role in my life. However, it was only after working in my father's restaurant that I incorporated it into my professional life, uniting my two passions: photography and food. My professional journey began with a degree in Graphic Design, followed by a successful career in food photography. This path, however, took a dramatic turn in 2019 due to a personal trauma, just a few months after my move to the United States for a Master of Fine Arts degree.

This geographic and emotional transition, coupled with my ongoing battle with emotional eating disorders, steered my focus towards contemporary art. My work now delves into the psychological impacts of food as both nourishment and indulgence. Through various media, including photography, sculpture, textile art, and installation, I create visual narratives where materiality renders my emotions tangible. Each piece is a conversation starter, inviting viewers to engage with their own stories and perceptions of food, body image, and identity.

Significant Achievements: My artistic career, commencing in 2020, has been marked by notable accomplishments. Recent highlights include last solo exhibition, "No one is an Island", curated by Adriana Herrera at The Mifa gallery and my selection for a solo exhibition at The Bonnier Gallery in Miami by "The 55 Project", both in 2023. In 2022 I was selected to participate in the Florida Biennial, where my works "Dysmorphia" and "Restrained" were standout pieces among thousands of submissions. Additionally, my engagement in group exhibitions like "Bolsa de Ficção" in São Paulo and "ConTEXT II" at Art Fluent in Boston, where I received the "Director’s Choice" award, has further enriched my artistic journey.

Grant Impact: The PhMuseum Photography Grant is a pivotal opportunity to deepen my exploration into the themes that are central to my work. My art critically addresses emotional eating disorders and the perils of overconsumption, challenging unrealistic beauty standards through a lens that encourages both personal introspection and broader societal commentary. With the support of the grant, I aim to expand upon these themes, exploring the communal aspects of eating and how shared meals shape our collective identity. This funding would enable the production of new work, participation in significant exhibitions, and engagement with a global audience, thereby contributing to the ongoing discourse in contemporary photography and beyond. My goal is to leverage this opportunity to amplify the reach and impact of my work, fostering a deeper understanding and dialogue around these crucial issues.