idalia payan
You've mentioned that the sunsets and natural landscapes of Sinaloa were your initial inspirations. How do you think these early experiences continue to influence your work today?
A lot, these continue to be a great source of inspiration for me all the time. Since it is a real beauty that life gives us. The landscapes and sunsets continue to surprise me every day, they are unique. In 2019 I documented the sunsets of my hometown every day of that year. In a very short time the project became something very personal because I began to commit to myself in a deeper way through the sun, which regardless of the documented project that I am still working on, this was a key moment in my life as a person.
With a background in graphic design and photography, how do you merge these disciplines in your work? Can you describe a project where this integration was particularly significant?
In my digital art work, starting from and unlike a simple photograph, I do use imagination and manipulation without limitations. Most of it is based on designing with photography, making different types of collages, sometimes adding digital drawing or other techniques.
As for projects, there are several but mentioning the main one in this topic is “The Festival of the Sun”. A photography collage with digital drawing. I used some photographs of suns that I took in the 2019 project that I mentioned in question 1, placing them inside human silhouettes, the sun in the heart, with drawings of geometric shapes. This work represents a party that we arrive at after having traveled that long path and with serious introspective work, where we already accept and embrace our own darkness, where we put the soul above the ego, leaving separation. That path of experiencing your own soul, that study that is not found in books and what no one can do for you.
Studying in Guadalajara and Buenos Aires provided you with diverse cultural and academic exposures. How have these varied educational experiences shaped your artistic style and approach?
In many ways because where I got to know each city the most was through the people. Their behavior and ideology reflect their socioculture, people are different in each city and we must adapt to each one without losing our own essence.
Over the years, you've worked in various cities and capacities, from agencies to freelance projects. What have been some of the key challenges and learnings from navigating different art and commercial environments?
In that in one you are freer than in the other. The key for me is to understand the topic and learn to adapt to all types of people by being empathetic and neutral.
You describe your work as a "sincere study of oneself" and see art as a means to understand life. Can you elaborate on how this philosophy manifests in your creative process and output?
I think it's rather the other way around, while I'm trying to understand life I'm applying it to my work. Some projects are planned and others simply connect as you progress. There are moments when the works and themes begin to come together on their own.
Could you discuss one of your exhibitions that you feel particularly represents your vision as an artist? What was the concept behind it, and how was it received?
Yes, my exhibition in Tokyo where with very different series I managed to unify them towards the same theme that I mention, which is the study of oneself. It was very well received, people were very interested in both the images and the topic, they questioned themselves, they told me their different points of view and they started to think. I felt like I connected very well with most people.
Given your expertise in both analog and digital techniques, how do you decide which medium to use for a project? Does the choice change your engagement with the subject?
No, they don't change anything, I love the dark room technique and I enjoyed it a lot at the time but I have also been adapting to digital. Despite using different techniques, I am not a person who talks or focuses a lot on that, I am more motivated by the themes and message of the work beyond the techniques. My biggest goal is to give a good message trying to raise awareness and also remind us as humans of the lack of humility that we sometimes have.
Who are some of the artists or creators, either historical or contemporary, who have influenced your work? How do you see their impact reflected in your own creations?
I have analyzed that most of my themes have been inspired by events from life itself or a story behind each person or situation as well as everyday life. Much of my photography is documentary and starting from it in my digital art work is where I try to understand these realities of the world, to forge a character in the face of adversity, with themes delved into the invisible worlds of the intangible universe of thought and heart. The School of the life of the soul on this planet. Therefore I consider and maintain as my slogan that: “Art is life.” This is my greatest inspiration.
Looking forward, what new themes or techniques are you interested in exploring in your work? Are there specific projects or collaborations you are excited about?
I just moved to Los Angeles for a little while and that's what excites me today. Getting to know different cities as I mentioned diversifies your panorama and your horizons. I have several projects independently, many related to each city in a documentary manner and others with the topics I mention above.