Cuban American photographer Christina Arza releases her debut photography book, slowly, tenderly. This new book encapsulates Arza’s personal and artistic journey and showcases her profound exploration of self-expression through the lens of a camera.
Born in 1989 in Miami, Florida, Arza’s artistic journey began with her childhood fascination with the camera. She recorded herself pretending to host news broadcasts and made short films with her siblings. These were foundational years in her relationship with the camera. At 21, she interned with a magazine and a photographer in New York. This was when she decided to become a photographer and move to live in New York. After purchasing a 35mm Canon AE-1, she began taking pictures of her loved ones. Her desire to become a documentary photographer̶like photographers she admires, such as Henri Cartier-Bresson̶led her to India, but once there, she realized that she preferred portraiture. She enjoys connecting with people and building relationships with them before taking a photo of them. This approach has helped her develop her own unique style, which is an ode to nature and the human experience. Arza’s book is about a journey. Through photography, it captures the beauty of nature, humanity, and the simplicity of everyday life. The book is inspired by Arza’s passion for storytelling and her love for the art of photography. The pandemic reminded her of the importance of tangible artistry, which she aimed to reflect on in this project. “At the heart of slowly, tenderly, lies a desire to reconnect with the essence of creation,” Arza explains, “I wanted to use my camera in a childlike way, to just feel the light, follow it, and be a photographer. When I look at the work, it feels very free, and I love it.”
“slowly, tenderly is a sensual journey to the warmth of place, body, and love; a journey we all dream of in our own way. Christina Arza softly reminds the viewer of the possibility of slowing down, looking, and experiencing the bliss of everyday life.” – Charles Traub, American photographer & educator
Christina Arza : slowly, tenderly
Designed by Christina Arza
Printed & bound in Belgium by die Keure
Photographed on Kodak Portra Film
Scans by The Color House NY
Hardback
11.7 x 8.5 in. 96 pp, 71 images
ISBN 979-8-218-3189-4
Price $50
www.christinaarza.com
