During our lives, we come across many people who claim that actions speak louder than words, but in reality only very few of them actually practice that virtue. Spanish photographer Barbara Vidal belongs to that minority. In her attempt to explore the relationship between man and nature Barbara has produced several photo series which showcase perfectly her desire to expose humans for what they really are; strong, independent and mysterious.
I couldn’t help but notice that there is no ‘about’ in your website while there is hardly any text accompanying the photos found in your personal blog. Is it within your intentions to keep as little as possible known about yourself?
Much of my work is very personal, it’s almost like a diary where I expose my daily life in images, so I think it is not necessary to explain anything more about my work or myself. I like that the images speak for themselves. I give more importance to the image rather than the words.
You tend to shoot most of your projects outdoors. Do you find that there is a special connection between your art and nature?
Most definitely. In the beginning I used to focus more on people and especially their faces, taking a lot of portraits. Eventually, almost unintentionally, I started introducing human beings in nature more and more, giving more importance to the latter. Right now, my personal work revolves more around the relationship between man and nature.
Do you have a particular source of inspiration?
Almost everything around me inspires me. Everything is constantly changing and I love that. I just feel this need to photograph! I am inspired by every day’s routine, my friends, people around me and what they do, the island where I live and its light.
Most of your photo series bear a certain feeling of atmospheric tranquility. Which elements militate to this result?
Personally I don’t seek that sense. Nature is a key element to the final result of my work as well as in my life. However nature is not always in complete harmony. There are times when it is violent, agonizing or even unpredictable. I think this could be one of the reasons why my work has so many sides including a particularly dark one.
Up until now, it’s often observed that flesh is commonly used as an allegory for blooming, youth and rebirth. How do you see this pattern evolving in photography?
I think that there are many stereotypes involving women. The fashion industry tends to see women in a very frivolous and impersonal way while there are many sexual connotations surrounding them. Most of the time women are considered to be nothing but objects in the world of media. I see women in a different light. I see them as a person with feelings and a vibrant personality. My kind of woman is strong, sure of herself but at the same time mysterious. She shows herself without the final outcome being explicit. It’s more about the sensuality rather than the sexuality.
Looking at your photos, it always seems like there is some sort of transitional moment in movement. In your opinion, what makes a photograph more interesting: flaws or precision?
Chances and magic are very important to me in photography. I love the feeling of picking up my camera rolls with the uncertainty of not knowing the exact outcome. I’m always amazed. I certainly find a lot of mystery in imperfections and flaws. I love to experiment with different kinds of cameras all the time including broken, or cameras that tend to make errors. Even expired films do it for me! But I also find precision to be necessary for certain projects or works.
What should we expect next?
Amongst other ongoing projects, right now I’m working with a small publisher in Barcelona. We are working on a book with some of my most personal works.