Brooklyn-based photographer Elena Montemurro is interested in documenting snapshots of life. Raw, unglamorized moments of struggles, disappointments and insecurities. Her series “Coming of Age” makes its point through bittersweet images of young individuals in various moments of “confusion.” The photos are harsh but they reveal a soft femininity. Then there’s the series “Self Portraits,” where Elena exposes her own vulnerabilities for the camera. Here, we share some of Elena’s recent work and chat to the young photographer about her affecting photographs.
What five words best describe your work?
Ethereal, retro, raw, nostalgic, feminine.
What got you into photography?
Photography has always been an easy way for me to express my feelings in a controlled and creative way. I have never been good at controlling my emotions, photography has always worked like a diary for me.
The harsh realities of life have always been most interesting to me. I like digging deep into the surface. It is a way of connecting with a person, and yourself, it’s a form of art. It forces myself and the viewer to think about their experiences, or maybe even experiences they would like to go through. To feel something new and exciting, or new and depressing. To just feel in general, maybe even feel nothing at all.
[blockquote author=”—Elena Montemurro”]”I have never been good at controlling my emotions, photography has always worked like a diary for me.”[/blockquote]
Your ‘Coming of Age’ series is bittersweet. What were you trying to capture?
This series is definitely bittersweet. I was trying to capture the anxieties of growing up. Experimenting without any real expectations and consequences. The feeling of paranoia and not knowing if you are living life the way you should be. I learned a lot about myself through this project—I was using photography as a way to express my feelings of loneliness and depression, and hoping to connect to other people going through similar situations.
Your photos appear to be snapshots of real people, yet they are staged. How do the photos happen?
All of the photos are very much planned ahead of time. I use friends to play certain roles and characters. The ideas are organic, the stories are raw.
Whose photographers’ work inspires you?
Nan Goldin, Duane Michaels, Philip Lorca Dicorcia, Saul Leiter, Andrew Miksys, Larry Clark, Francesca Woodman.
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