Laura Zalenga not only shows us the world through her eyes but also through her body. She takes us along on her journey, to magnificent places as well as sites that could be just around the corner and are easily overlooked. Bedroom walls, paradisiac river sites, parking lots, forest walks... We observe her not making a difference between the obvious beauty and the one that needs effort to be seen. We watch her portray the conflicting human struggle of forging a unique identity while also fitting into societal norms.
Zalenga refers to the images as "Not-my-self-portraits," even though they are taken by herself, of herself. But she sees the person in each photograph as an anonymous protagonist. One that qualifies for the job only by being always available, by going beyond their comfort zone, and by not needing a single word of explanation of the concept, feeling or pose, because they are already embedded in their mind. Drawing from her background in architecture, the artist has developed a lucid visual language, which doesn't necessitate overt loudness to convey stories and emotions. By using her own body, she gains complete creative freedom and control over every aspect. It allows her to explore her connection with the world in intimate solitude, and enables her to share beauty as well as struggles or social issues. Her powerful vulnerability invites us to have a look with more than our eyes.
