Weekend Portfolio: Isabel Herrera
Images and Text by Isabel Herrera
Isabel Herrera - Guatemala 1975
Capturing the fragile, evanescent moments of my frugal existence continues to surprise me, pure serendipity. I reflect upon the changing colors of light; a light that transcends form and delves beyond the veil of haze that is always present in my mind. The levity, imprecision and ambiguity of the subdue light are reminiscent of that I yearn; a silent presence that fills empty spaces and lets me comprehend and accept.
The images I capture reveal my fairy tale; an irrational and surreal language that traps me, takes hold of me, and feeds my spirit. It is this work of fiction that conveys the truth I know, my truth. It is an illusory encounter with myself that excels and goes where ordinary experiences are turned into poetry; where I find my childhood, at times collapsible, at times fluid; where confusion reigns, and so does the uncertain, the ambiguous, the unresolved. I take a step back and free myself from believes and feelings, disengaging from frivolous circumstances. I aim to reach constant contentment by accepting impermanence, and trusting the now.
Confinement Series came about during the complete lockdown I lived in Guatemala City last Spring 2020. Working from home, I found a different type of stillness and silence in unexpected moments, as hanging out the laundry in this case! This was and still is a very difficult time for everyone, however as Torri Morrison said: “This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity… We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal”. This is what set myself to do; working, healing and letting myself be surprised. I’ve learned to be more patient, more forgiving and accepting given the circumstances. Resilience is a necessity these days.
