Today we’d like to introduce you to Mateo Serna Zapata.
Hi Mateo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born in Colombia raised in Miami. As a child, my family moved a lot throughout the beach until finally settling on the north end of Miami. I have always been active, playing fútbol & baseball, and riding my bike everywhere. Adventure has always tickled my soul and curiosity has lead the way. That’s why I’ve chosen to live an artistic lifestyle, to perpetually feed my curiosities. On my 21st birthday, I got on my bicycle and rode up north for three days. I had no idea where I was going, I just wanted to go. The only things I took with me were my film camera, my sketchbook, food and some rope. I used the rope to build a ‘bed’ up in a tree in a random park on the first night. Morning came, and I continued to ride.
The next bike adventure was a few years later when I decided to ride down to Key West. Started at 4 am and 17 hours later, I arrived at base camp exhausted!!! I continued to commute throughout college, riding about 14 miles per day, however, after the 10th time (yes 10th!) of getting hit by a car, cuz you know, Miami drivers… I decided to get a car myself. In college, I took a film photography class, and upon entering the darkroom, I fell in love and made photography my life. Time seemed to disappear when I was in the darkroom, sometimes spending around 10 continuous hours making prints. Inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson, I would walk Miami streets in search of the ‘decisive moment’ and perpetually found myself enamoured by the little things that make Miami Miami. It’s the little things, they are important and are the essence of life. Photography grants me the opportunity to slow down, observe life and narrate it through imagery. I began conversing with those I photographed and discovered the power of listening. Not only to people, by my city as well. To this day, I am constantly asking myself, ‘Miami, what are you telling me?’ To me, the real art is the experience. And as the artist, I live it first hand. The photo is just proof that an experience transpired, that there was an exchange of energy between the photographer (me) and the subject (Miami).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s a matter of perception. Who defines what a smooth road is? We’ve all had and will continue to have obstacles set before us. The trick (to make the road smooth) is to perceive obstacles as opportunities to learn something new.
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?
F O T O G R A F Í A. Photography, that’s my life. I observe and narrate through imagery. Dance is also a huge aspect of my practice. I adore dance and the passion that dancers emit. My aim to always surround myself with creative, passionate individuals and create magic. Collaborating with dancers, I utilize the body and transform it into organic, geometric landscapes. This presents the concept of multiple perceptions of reality; your view, my view and the truth. My work makes you wonder, it makes you question yourself. I explore the influence color has upon us, and with my camera, I dive into a conversation between light and geometry.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Acknowledge self. If I don’t take care of me, no one else will. There is a universe within me, and I control the energy that flows through it. This energy manifests itself outward and makes up what we perceive as reality. In other words, as within, so without, as above, so below. In the words of Michael Jackson, ‘If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change.’
Pricing:
- Photo/video sessions – starting at $400
- Prints – starting at $125
Contact Info:
- Website: Mateosernazapata.com
- Instagram: @mszfoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mateo.serna.1804/
- Youtube: https://vimeo.com/user99211018
- Other: https://mszmovement.myportfolio.com/
Image Credits
All images © MSZ FOTO LLC 2021 (Mateo Serna Zapata)
