Carelimar Moreno Explores the Power of Nude Self-Portraits
How often do you look at yourself? I’m not talking about a quick glance in the mirror, I mean really stop and look at who you are, both on the outside and within. For the Venezuelan photographer Carelimar Moreno, self-reflection has become a constant part of her creative process, something she is going to explore with Them Frames.
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Our bodies, especially our intimate parts, tend to remain private, only seen by those closest to us. Because of that, I’m curious to learn why a photographer takes the leap and shares their bodies with strangers online.
I’ve been sent enough self-portraits (for publishing purposes) throughout my career to get an idea of a photographer’s motivation. It’s now clear to me when a photographer wants to provoke and excite and when a photographer wants to get comfortable with being vulnerable.
I see nothing wrong in either motivation, I believe artists are free to express themselves in the ways they wish. However, when nude self-portraiture comes from a place of vulnerability, I feel the story has more substance, and the photographer has more to say and teach.
Carelimar Moreno is a self-portrait photographer on a path of self-discovery, and she’s taking that path in a creative and powerful way. I see the vulnerability in her works, and I also see her determination to remain on track.
Her concepts are courageous, ambitious, and also full of gentle feminine energy. Not only will you enjoy her photographs and her creative mind, you’ll also be inspired by her motivations. At the very least you will like her work, and at best it may inspire you to do some self-exploration through the medium of photography.
Them Frames: Hello Carelimar! Tell us how you first got involved with photography, what inspired you to first pick up a camera?
Carelimar Moreno: Since I was a child I was always interested in photography, from landscapes to taking pictures of family, pets, friends or my things, I remember when I was thirteen years old I also took some self-portraits although I had no idea what I was doing.
In 2019 I started taking pictures of the architecture of the city and emblematic places. Likewise in 2020 but instead I documented the pandemic. I even took self-portraits of my new routine and what it was like to be in a hospital. During those days I had to take care of a relative in a hospital, even donating blood. I documented all of that, until I reached a point where I stopped looking at what was outside and started a path of introspection that has led me to what I do today.
Them Frames: What attracted you to begin doing self-portraits?
Carelimar Moreno: At first the self-portrait was a need to communicate how I felt locked up in my house, then I wanted to document changes in my life and from there I started with the artistic nude.
Them Frames: Looking at ourselves can bring up a lot of emotions, especially when we study ourselves in photographs. What thoughts and feelings occur when you’re reflecting on your self-portraits?
Carelimar Moreno: Today I look at my self-portraits and I know that they are a tool for myself, to remind me who I was and who I am, also to know what I want to be. Sometimes a feeling of nostalgia invades me for how I see myself today, maybe at that moment of the self-portrait I didn't feel pretty or sure of myself and now I look at those past photos and it makes me sad not to love myself as I was, but that's part of self-portraiture. It is an invitation to see ourselves as we are.
Them Frames: Talk to us about Temple of the Goddess. Let’s start with the location of the shoot, why did you choose this spot?
Carelimar Moreno: I had been in that place many years ago, I didn't remember it well, but when I chose where to do the photo shoot I wanted to achieve a very intimate atmosphere as if only I existed in that place, the truth is we arrived and I said: "This is it!"
I couldn't imagine the goddess I carry in me being natural in another place, the water was freezing, I really don't know how I endured for about two hours in there, I just let myself be carried away by what I wanted to communicate.
Them Frames: How does it feel to be out in nature, creating your art?
Carelimar Moreno: At first I was scared, but I have never really felt as free as taking self-portraits in the middle of nature.
Them Frames: I want to shift to Walls and Windows - what was the motivation for this collection?
Carelimar Moreno: I really liked the series, the photos came out as I imagined and planned them months before, they fulfilled my expectations and it is one of my favorite works.
They are still available to collect, but I know that someone who connects with the concept and what I represent in them will have them. This series was also possible thanks to my best friend Victor who helped me, accompanied me and assisted me during the session and with whom I share part of the proceeds from the sale of each photograph.
These photos came up one day when I was recording the 5:00 pm light and I knew I wanted them exactly as I made them, I wanted that yellow and orange illuminating the white wall and me, me showing myself as in a random afternoon, waiting for someone, maybe love.
Them Frames: What was the role of the flowers in the scenes? Were they solely artistic or did they represent something deeper for you?
Carelimar Moreno: Flowers were complimentary, I like to include them in my photos, natural or not there is always some floral feature in my self-portraits.
Them Frames: Let’s compare shooting portraits indoors and in nature. Which environment do you enjoy the most and why?
Carelimar Moreno: Indoor self-portraits are part of my comfort zone and I like it because I feel comfortable, I feel at home and the house always generates well-being. However, in nature, I feel indescribable freedom so I must have that balance when challenging myself to be outdoors because each of those experiences help to continue studying the nude from another way.
Them Frames: A lot of your work is nude. Sharing nudity online comes with a lot of vulnerability and a certain degree of risk, how does it feel both as a woman and as an artist knowing strangers across the world can access your natural form?
Carelimar Moreno: Only if I think about it does it generate some fear in me. Showing yourself vulnerable always makes you feel at a disadvantage and that it's something you can't control. I know that many strangers can see my photos and they won't always have good intentions, nor will they see the self-portraits from the perspective that I represent.
But my goal goes beyond what others may perceive, the self-portrait for me is a necessary exercise of introspection, even publishing it is part of that process. And when they recognize my look and my artistic work, when they have looked for galleries and have exhibited my work is when I confirm that this vulnerability is necessary in my photographic work, it has always been that way.
Them Frames: Final couple of questions: What song do you feel perfectly accompanies your photography?
Carelimar Moreno: Killer by Fka Twigs
Them Frames: Finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…
Carelimar Moreno: With her, I can really be me.
You can enjoy more work from Carelimar Moreno by visiting her Linktr.ee.
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