Chiara Fersini (1986) holds a degree in Foreign Languages (English, Japanese). She started research in photography three years ago. She investigates the inner relation between photography and painting, and takes inspiration from the Pre-Raphaelites painters and Liberty style.
She has already participated many art exhibitions and contests; and she’s been featured in magazines such as “Advanced Photoshop, NL” and “ Fashion Capital, UK”. She has recently worked as designer for storybooks, fashion and entertainment sectors.
Fantasy is my drug. The world today is so grey and sad, and fantasy is the only thing that makes me see something different and good.
People often think that photography should be related to reality, and like reality it should be as close as possible to perfection. This is not my idea of photography. I believe that photography is more than technique; it is more than having an expensive equipment. I am deeply convinced that photography (the way it means to me) is not the camera, it is the eye that stands behind the camera. My aim is to portray every single glance of the human soul and encourage people to dream and never stop believing in dreams.
I’m often asked the reason why most of my works are self-portraits. I believe that “normal” photography is about portraying an object or a subject so that it looks in harmony with the surrounding environment; this means that even though the subject of the photo is a person he/she will be treated by the photographer as an object. Self-portraiture on the other hand let the photographer keep control of his/her own representation. Shooting a self-portrait is a provocative experience because it allows you to look at yourself through the eyes of others. To take a self-portrait (at least in my case) has nothing to do with being selfish or seek attention. You are in charge of the camera, you are in charge of yourself as a model and it is the best way to convey the message you have in your mind without having it to pass through the filter of others’ minds. Moreover it is a very useful experience to know better your inner being and become more self-confident. Being aware of what you are is the most difficult thing to achieve.A self-portrait is truly an artist’s representation of self.
Talking about inspiration… Inspiration comes from several things. I find inspirational the work of amazing contemporary artists and illustrators such as Audrey Kawasaki or Jeremy Lipking, but my photos are first of all emotions that become real, tangible. I can say that the world itself and all its connections are my best source of inspiration. Currently I’m working on my second art-book whose title will be Skin & Velvet Souls and will feature my personal view of what Sensual and sensuality means to me. I also take a lot of commissions for book covers and fashion retouching works.
