Six questions for
Clara Zaragoza

How do you describe your own art practice?

I work a lot with cyanotype, which consists of painting with photosensitive chemicals in order to reveal my analog photographs in the UV light. I often mix this technique with others such as collage or sculpture.

My practice is very experimental, so a very important part of it is trying new things, selecting new ideas and letting go of some others. This is my favorite part since I seek to create unique artworks, different in materials, concepts or techniques.

Which question or theme is central in your work?

Perspective. My work is focused on analyzing different points of view and representing the one I like the most. I’m constantly thinking about trying to show some hidden perspective.

What was your first experience with art?

Since childhood I have been extremely passionate about photography, always with some camera around, photographing strangers on family trips. I think I fell in love with photography because it’s the perfect excuse to wander alone and observe people from another angle, with a different timing and depth.
I also got very hooked on the extracurricular art workshops that I took at school. I enjoyed more than anything making sculptures with newspaper, wire and scotch tape that I later painted with acrylics.

What is your greatest source of inspiration?

Films, I get inspired by them very often. Some that I really like are Agnes Varda’s or Ingmar Bergman’s films such as “Persona”.

What do you need in order to create your work?

In order to create I need UV light, negative photographs printed on film, photosensitive chemicals, paper, water and hydrogen peroxide. There are also many materials that vary depending on each work such as vinegar, bleach, scissors and glue to collage, recycled cardboard boxes, colored paper, stones, etc.

What work or artist has most recently surprised you?

Miranda Makaroff’s paintings and Kensuke Koike’s collages.