Public Republic

Teodora Atanasova talks with photographer Paula Aparicio

Paula’s photos filled with so much beauty and tenderness whisper something very unique.

Please, introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Paula Aparicio and I’m a photographer.

When did you start taking photos?

My dad was antiquarian, I grew up going from one art gallery to another, usually in San Telmo. Also, my house had its walls full of paintings.

When I was 9 I realized that I wanted a black’n white lab. My parents couldn’t afford it as there were other priorities.

I don’t know exactly when it began, but if I have to choose a specific moment I would say it was in 2009 when I finally decided to take up this life.

What makes a good picture?

A good picture is one that moves you. It my also be a picture that produces an intense feeling, no matter what the feeling is.

What is like to be an artist in the 21st century?

I can’t really find an answer to this question.

Do you believe in perfection?

I believe in perfection, but I think that everything that is perfect has a bit of imperfection and the other way around.

Who you admire? Do you have a role model?

If I were to count the artists that I admire I would never finish, but among my favourites are Nan Goldin, Edward Hopper, Araki, Philip Glass, Erick Satie, Pablo Casals, Foujita, Sally Man, Charly García and William Eggleston.

What is the message behind your pictures?

I can’t say what the message of my pictures is as each one has its own meaning. Sometimes the meaning of the picture exceeds the message I want to give.

Which type of photography do you prefer?

I don’t prefer any type of photography in particular. It depends on the moment.

What are you interested in, besides photography?

I like swimming, cycling, cooking, gardening and traveling.

Do you have ideas for new pictures? What are you working on right now?

Right now I am scanning old pictures and editing them. I had so much work I couldn’t even process the pictures I took this year so far.