By José Gandue @Gandour Photograph Manuela Uribe
As soon as the viewer sees the first images, He understands that there is a particular sensitivity there. In times when many people are confused and excessively praise what anyone can do with a cell phone and a good lens, the efforts of photographic artists sometimes lose the recognition they deserve. In the case of the Colombian photographer... Manuela Uribe, who works independently between Buenos Aires and Bogotá, her photos remind us of the obvious difference between the perception of a professional in the search for a particular moment and pressing the click on any portable device with no greater perspective than to be lucky in the search for beauty. His projects range from musical performances and portraiture to documentary and personal projects. In his portfolio, we can see snapshots taken at international concerts and festivals, capturing both the explosive performances of the headliners on stage and the audience's reaction to these shows. His best photos show luminaries such as... Arctic Monkeys, St. Vincent, Kali Uchis, Systema Solar and other prominent names in the international media. We took advantage of their presence in the Colombian capital to talk about their work.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography has become a vehicle for understanding the world, and for understanding myself. Through the lens, I discover perspectives, angles, ask myself new questions, and better understand silences. It's like a way of thinking in which I use parts of my body and mind different from the usual ones. From there, everything is transformed and becomes infinite as the possibilities for interpreting the world multiply. It also means great company, a "safe" place I can return to whenever I need it. My own room, as Virginia Woolf once wrote.
How do you relate photography to music?
It's a very personal relationship, a space where I unite two fundamental aspects of my life. From there, I allow myself to experience music through a recreation that goes beyond simply listening. There's also a transformation, a re-creation that begins with the music and culminates in something visual, mediated by my perspective and my experience in that moment and place. I believe I connect them from a very intimate and emotional place. Much of my photographic work originates there.
How did you become involved in the music world as a photographer?
From a young age I've been surrounded by music and musicians; I think it was the result of a very organic process. Among friends and songs close to my heart.
What was your first festival as a photographer?
Before the festivals there were concerts, I think the first one was Music Wins in Buenos Aires
What kind of images do you look for at a festival?
I don't know if I'm looking for specific images; I think it's more about atmosphere. I like to capture something of the musician's intimacy rather than the spectacular. Although that also comes together in some situations. And it's also the emotional state I reach in those moments. Sometimes I look without seeing, I don't know if that makes sense. I'm not so much measuring the photo itself; I'm living in the moment.
Which artists gave you the images that you were most pleased to take?
I think what I enjoy most is sharing processes. Participating in the recording of the latest album of Timbiqui Canal, From Sea and River, It was a beautiful and profound experience, and from it came a series of portraits that I treasure. A few months ago, I also took some photos for Minük's new album—a very special experience! And live, so many bands, so many moments. Cage the Elephant, LCD Soundsystem, Willie Colón, Oscar de León, Kali Uchis, Bomba Estéreo, Arctic Monkeys, Devendra Banhart, CocoRosie, Bonobo. And many incredible artists with amazing shows!
How do you approach portraits? What do you need to create them?
I like to get to know the people I'm going to photograph a little beforehand, to talk about the idea, to share perspectives. I try to make it comfortable and very casual; I direct, of course, but I try not to impose my will on the other person's body language. I prefer a relationship without hierarchy.
Who would you like to take a picture of?
Everyone has something interesting to offer. More than just a list of names, it's a way to connect.
