Patrizia Burra : Arouse curiosity.
At the heart of contemporary visual art, Patrizia Burra stands out with an innovative approach that transforms photography into a unique and captivating form of art. Her works go far beyond mere images; they are powerful visual narratives that capture the soul of her subjects with remarkable precision and sensitivity. By merging painting and portraiture, the artist creates works that reveal deep aspects of beauty and identity, turning ordinary moments into true masterpieces.
With 35 years of experience and global recognition, Patrizia Burra is renowned for her transformative portraits of women, capturing their strength and grace with a fresh aesthetic. Her images, grounded in a unique feminine perspective, explore themes of identity and resilience. Through her lens, women become powerful symbols of beauty and self-awareness, illuminated in a light that celebrates their authenticity and complexity.
Her work invites us to look beyond appearances, to explore the profound stories each portrait reveals, and to appreciate the richness and depth of photographic art. Immersing ourselves in her creative universe, we discover a celebration of the human condition through a lens that is both innovative and deeply sensitive.
Website : www.patriziaburra.com
Instagram : patrizia_burra_photography
Your first photographic trigger?
Patrizia Burra : My first trigger was the play of light and shadow on a quiet street in my hometown, capturing a moment that felt both ordinary and magical.
The man or woman of image who inspired you?
Parizia Burra : Gregory Crewdson. His cinematic approach and ability to create narratives within a single frame have deeply influenced my work.
The image you would have liked to take?
Parizia Burra : One of Crewdson’s suburban scenes, where every detail is meticulously staged yet feels hauntingly real. I admire how he captures the beauty in the eerie.
The one that moved you the most?
Parizia Burra : Diane Arbus’s portraits of unconventional subjects. They are raw, intimate, and human.
And the one that made you angry?
Patrizia Burra : Images of war and suffering that reveal the darkest sides of humanity—especially when the innocent are caught in the crossfire.
Which photo changed the world?
Patrizia Burra : The “Migrant Mother” by Dorothea Lange. It captured the hardship of the Great Depression and became an emblem of resilience.
And which photo changed your world?
Patrizia Burra : My first successful self-portrait. It was a moment of realizing that I could express my inner world through photography.
What interests you most in an image?
Patrizia Burra : The emotions beneath the surface. I love when an image evokes a story, a mood, or a feeling that lingers.
What is the last photo you took?
Patrizia Burra : A surreal portrait of a model surrounded by flowing fabrics and dramatic lighting—my latest exploration of dream-like atmospheres.
A key image in your personal pantheon?
Patrizia Burra : A portrait of a woman standing alone in a misty field at dawn. It captures solitude, mystery, and beauty.
A photographic memory from your childhood?
Patrizia Burra : Flipping through old family albums and seeing the faded photos of my grandparents, feeling connected to a past I never knew.
According to you, what is the necessary quality to be a good photographer?
Patrizia Burra : Vision. The ability to see beyond what’s in front of you and to capture a deeper truth or feeling.
What makes a good photo?
Patrizia Burra : A good photo tells a story, provokes emotion, or sparks curiosity. It should pull the viewer in and make them pause.
The person you would like to photograph?
Patrizia Burra : Tilda Swinton. Her presence is magnetic and she embodies a unique blend of elegance and eccentricity.
An indispensable photo book?
Patrizia Burra : Gregory Crewdson’s “Beneath the Roses”. It’s a masterpiece of staged photography that tells stories through meticulously constructed scenes.
The camera of your childhood?
Patrizia Burra : A simple point-and-shoot film camera that I used to capture everything around me—my first tool of discovery.
The one you use today?
Patrizia Burra : A NIKON D 850 . It’s versatile and reliable, perfect for my style of blending portraiture with surreal elements.
How do you choose your projects?
Patrizia Burra : I’m drawn to themes of identity, dreams, and the interplay between reality and fantasy. If it resonates emotionally, I pursue it.
How would you describe your creative process?
Patrizia Burra : Intuitive and narrative-driven. I often start with a concept or mood, and then build the scene, focusing on every detail.
An upcoming project that’s close to your heart?
Patrizia Burra : A series exploring the hidden lives of everyday women—capturing their stories in dream-like settings that reflect their inner worlds.
Your favorite drug?
Patrizia Burra : Creativity. It’s what keeps me awake at night and fills my mind with endless possibilities.
The best way to disconnect for you?
Patrizia Burra : Walking by the sea. The sound of the waves and the vastness of the horizon always calm my mind.
What is your relationship with the image?
Patrizia Burra : It’s deeply personal and often reflects my inner thoughts and emotions. An image is a window into my world.
Who would you like to be photographed by?
Patrizia Burra : Gregory Crewdson, of course. I’d love to be part of his eerie, beautifully constructed universe.
Your latest folly?
Patrizia Burra : Building an elaborate set in my studio that took weeks to perfect just for a single shoot.
An image to illustrate a new banknote?
Patrizia Burra : A child’s hand reaching for a flower. A simple yet powerful reminder of innocence and hope.
The job you would not have liked to do?
Patrizia Burra : Anything that confines me to a desk. I need the freedom to create and explore.
Your greatest professional extravagance?
Patrizia Burra : Investing in high-end lighting equipment that lets me sculpt light exactly the way I envision.
What question gets you off track?
Patrizia Burra : “Why do you spend so much time on a single photo?” It can be hard to explain the need for perfection.
What was the last thing you did for the first time?
Patrizia Burra : Experimenting with underwater photography. It was both challenging and exhilarating to capture movement in a new medium.
The city, the country or the culture you dream of discovering?
Patrizia Burra : Japan. I’m fascinated by its blend of tradition and modernity, and its visual aesthetics resonate with me.
The place you never get tired of?
Patrizia Burra : Paris. It’s endlessly photogenic, with its mix of decay, history, and romanticism.
Your biggest regret?
Patrizia Burra : Not trusting my creative instincts sooner. Doubt can be paralyzing.
In terms of social networks, are you more into Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, or Snapchat and why?
Patrizia Burra : Instagram, because it’s a visual platform where I can share my work and connect with like-minded artists.
Color or B&W?
Patrizia Burra : Color. It allows me to create moods and enhance the narrative with subtle hues and tones.
Daylight or artificial light?
Patrizia Burra : Artificial light. It’s versatile and lets me craft the atmosphere precisely as I imagine.
Which city do you think is the most photogenic?
Patrizia Burra : Paris. Its mix of history, art, and timeless beauty makes it an endless source of inspiration.
If God existed would you ask him to pose for you, or would you opt for a selfie with him?
Patrizia Burra : I’d ask him to pose—capturing a portrait that embodies the divine mystery.
If I could organize your ideal dinner party, who would be at the table?
Patrizia Burra : Gregory Crewdson, Frida Kahlo, and Salvador Dalí—an eclectic mix of creative minds that would make for an unforgettable evening.
The image that represents for you the current state of the world?
Patrizia Burra : A polar bear stranded on a melting iceberg—fragile, beautiful, and in desperate need of attention.
According to you, what is missing in today’s world?
Patrizia Burra : Connection. We’re more connected digitally but often miss true, human connections.
If you had to start all over again?
Patrizia Burra : I’d be bolder and trust my creative voice from the start.
What do you like people to say about you?
Patrizia Burra : That my images made them feel something they couldn’t quite put into words.
The one thing we absolutely must know about you?
Patrizia Burra : I believe in the power of imagination and the importance of looking beyond the surface.
A last word?
Patrizia Burra : Keep dreaming, keep creating, and never stop seeing the world with wonder.
