Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Roxanny.
Hi Maureen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Maureen Roxanny, I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Since 2005, I have led a dual life as an educator and a passionate photographer. While my days are dedicated to shaping young minds in the classroom, my nights are filled with capturing the raw energy and spirit of the local hardcore and punk rock scene through my camera lens.
It all began when I attended my first punk rock show when I was around 15 or 16 years of age. I can even recall the moment I left my senior prom early to see a local band at the time called Against All Authority, that was playing in a random “venue” in Kendall. The atmosphere, the music, and the electrifying energy captivated me, and I knew I had to find a way to share this experience with others. With the unwavering support of my father, who was also a photographer. He recognized my fascination and passion for capturing moments and took me to Brandsmart to get my first camera. With his guidance and encouragement, I ventured into the world of concert photography, seeking to capture the essence of the underground music scene. My father has passed away but the bond we shared through photography has been a constant source of my inspiration to this day. I like to think that I continue to keep his memory alive whenever I am photographing a show.
My passion for both education and photography soon intertwined as I discovered a hidden connection. Many of the musicians and audiences in the hardcore and punk rock community shared a profound desire to challenge societal norms, question authority, and fight for social justice. It was this rebellious spirit that resonated with me as an educator, as I too aimed to empower my students to think critically and become agents of positive change.
Through my photographs, I sought to immortalize the raw emotions, frenetic energy, and uninhibited creativity that emanated from the local bands. I documented the sweaty mosh pits, the chaotic stage dives, and the intimate moments of connection between the performers and their dedicated audience. These images not only served as a visual time capsule for the music scene but also allowed me to showcase the power of self-expression and unity in our local music scene.
As the years rolled on, I witnessed many of the venues that had once been the heart and soul of the community begin to disappear, casualties of gentrification and shifting cultural tides. These sacred spaces, where bands had roared, crowds had moshed, and friendships had been forged, were now mere echoes of the vibrant past. Realizing the importance of preserving these memories, I took it upon myself to become a custodian of the scene’s history. Through my photography, I captured not only the bands and their performances but also the venues themselves. I documented the worn-out stages, the graffiti-covered walls, and the intimate corners where lifelong connections were made.
As these venues closed their doors one by one, I saw my role evolve from merely documenting the present to actively preserving the past. I plan to curate exhibitions and photo books that showcased the rich history of the hardcore and punk rock scene, paying homage to the venues that had once pulsated with life. Through these visual retrospectives, I aimed to reignite the fire within the community and remind them of the importance of their roots.
As a tribute to the 90s movie “Point Break” and a nod to a cultural saying in my Hispanic background, I created an Instagram account called “Vaya Con Dios.” It’s not intended as a religious tribute but rather a playful homage to both the film that my father introduced me to growing up as a kid and a phrase my mother would lovingly say to me whenever I embarked on a new journey or set out to venture off on my own. It became a symbolic expression of her support even though she was against most of my rebellious endeavors.
Through this Instagram account, I share images of nostalgia for past local shows, our youth frozen in time, band flyers, and the memories we had since the loss of these venues. I became not only an educator and a photographer but also an archivist.
In the face of adversity, the hardcore and punk rock scene persisted, adapting and finding new avenues for self-expression. In time, I would also like to expand my Instagram portfolio to serve not only as a digital canvas and a time capsule but a space where I can connect with like-minded individuals. Together, we forged a legacy that continues to inspire and empower, cherishing the memories of the past while embracing the spirit of the future for our local music scene.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
During my growth as an educator and a photographer, I encountered the overpowering struggle of living a double life. While my passion for the hardcore and punk rock scene fueled my creativity and inspired me to capture its essence, I often found myself grappling with the fear of judgment and the pressure to conform within my work environment.
The educational field, with its emphasis on professionalism and societal expectations, often had limited room for unconventional expressions of identity. The world of hardcore and punk rock, on the other hand, encouraged individuality, authenticity, and a rejection of societal norms. Balancing these two contrasting worlds presented a constant challenge.
At times, I felt a sense of isolation, as if I were leading a secret life that I had to keep hidden from my colleagues and even some of my students. I yearned for the freedom to fully embrace my passion for photography and the music scene without the fear of being misunderstood or judged. It was a struggle to reconcile the vibrant, rebellious spirit that fueled my creativity outside the classroom with the expectations and perceptions that came with being an educator.
I also grappled with a sense of female belonging in a predominantly male-dominated environment. The hardcore and punk rock scene at the time, with its aggressive music and often macho posturing, presented a unique set of obstacles for a female photographer and shows goer.
Over time, I began to challenge the notion of compartmentalizing my identities. I realized that embracing my authentic self, both as an educator and a photographer, could be a source of inspiration for my students. By sharing glimpses of my passion and the artistic pursuits that fueled my soul, I hoped to instill in them the courage to pursue their passions, regardless of societal expectations.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am known for my ability to capture authentic and genuine moments in the music scene. With each picture I share, I like to believe that I bring forth that feeling of nostalgia, reminding the audience of the unforgettable moments that have shaped our music community.
It is through the lens of my camera that the past comes alive, rekindling the spirit of the music scene and reaffirming the profound impact it has had on our lives. My photos can bring a deep understanding of the subjects, freeze the present time for new memories, and most importantly, capture the audience’s reaction and the way they react/decompress with the music/artist.
I take great pride in sharing these nostalgic moments, celebrating the rich history and vibrant culture of our music scene. Through my work, I aim to ignite a sense of joy, reminiscence, and appreciation for the artists, venues, promoters, and the incredible journey we have all embarked upon together.
What I am most proud of is the ability to use and combine my skills and occupation to optimistically set an example for my students and make a positive difference in people’s lives through a lens, because I believe the power of images can foster understanding, embrace different interests, spark conversations, and create meaningful change.
What sets me apart from others is my unique experience in the developing music community that I was able to grow in and take a part in in the past while also experiencing the present moment. Being an educator also helps a deep understanding of human development, empathy, and the power of education in my photography. This allows me to approach my subjects with sensitivity and tell their stories in a way that resonates with a wide audience.
Through my photography, I aim to inspire, evoke empathy, and provoke thought. Furthermore, my commitment to continuous learning and exploration pushes me to constantly evolve as a photographer and educator. I seek out new techniques, embrace diverse perspectives, and challenge myself to push the boundaries of my creativity. This thirst for growth sets me apart and allows me to create work that is authentic, compelling, and impactful.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a rebellious individual who confidently marched to the beat of my drum. I embraced my independent spirit, never afraid to challenge the norms and explore life on my terms. Fueled by curiosity, I eagerly sought out new experiences and knowledge, forging my path with a determination to discover the world and all it had to offer.
My upbringing cultivated a strong sense of individuality, which allowed me to embrace my uniqueness and take an interest in expanding my creativity. Alongside my concert photography, I also found fulfillment in learning how to photograph with film and capture my surroundings and the raw human emotion amid their daily lives. I have also gained interest in using my own captured images to create collages, offering another avenue for self-expression.
These collages become a unique canvas where I blend and layer different elements of my work, crafting visual narratives that reflect my individuality and creative vision. Collages provide me with a powerful tool to expand the boundaries of my creativity and present my photography in a fresh, dynamic way.
Embracing my “weird” interests has also opened up new avenues of creativity and self-expression, I have developed a fascination for oddities and taxidermy, diving into the peculiar realms that captivate my imagination, which also includes my immense interest in cemeteries.
My love for cemeteries stemmed not from a morbid fascination with death, but rather from a profound appreciation for the brevity of life and a reminder to live with passion and purpose. Exploring cemeteries allowed me to reflect on the transient nature of existence and served as a poignant reminder to make the most of every moment.
I have the intention of photographing the beauty, serenity, and contemplative atmosphere of these sacred spaces, inviting viewers to reflect on not only their own lives but how cemeteries, in their quiet serenity, hold more than just the remains of the departed. They are sanctuaries of stories and roles, buried six feet deep, but preserved in the etchings on weathered tombstones.
Driven by my fascination, I am at the beginning stages of working towards curating a cemetery exhibition, in hopes of being presented in any gallery during Art Basel. What a dream that would be!
In essence, I have found a sense of freedom and contentment that comes from fully embracing who I am, with all my quirks and unusual interests. It is through this journey of self-discovery that I have come to appreciate the beauty of individuality and the joy of living life authentically while expressing myself with my images.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maureenroxanny.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vayacon.dios/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maureenroxanny
