Photographer based in Mexico – Havana
Moník Molinet, self portrait
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
Working as an actress, I felt the need to appropriate the discourse, to say. I studied theater, performing arts, my work was subordinated to that of other creatives and although I could add, I also felt limited by this. Among other twists and turns of life such as emigrating, I decided to take the leap to the other side of the camera, to take risks.
I embarked on a self-taught path, driven by the need to challenge myself in every sense, to find themes, ideas that affect me emotionally and that can move perceptions at a collective level, to question that view that constructs us, to have contact with the human, to contribute to the construction of a more equitable and fair world.
From the series "Grandmothers and grandfathers borrowed"
"I embarked on a self-taught path, driven by the need to challenge myself in every sense, to find themes, ideas that affect me emotionally and that can move perceptions at a collective level, to question that view that constructs us, to have contact with the human, to contribute to the construction of a more equitable and fair world."
From the series "Grandmothers and grandfathers borrowed"
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
For the last year I have been immersed in my body of self-portrait work, which this year turns 10 years old. On the one hand, I began studying analog photography, researching the multi-exposure technique to overwrite on photographic film. With this technique I enter a sea of possibilities. Being able to add unlimited layers in the same frame in an analog way requires precision, concentration, accuracy. I am interested in making the visual discourse more complex in the exercise of introspection that is self-portrait for me. I am exploring and creating new worlds in my portfolio, with new risks, worlds that are more fragile due to the technique I use, but solid. I am learning to accept life as it comes through analog photography, and in that endless exercise of exploring identity and self-perception I like to think that I also create a mirror where other people can recognize themselves.
From the series "Grandmothers and grandfathers borrowed"
On the other hand, within the same body of work that I undertook 10 years ago, this year I was able to carry out “Borrowed grandparents”, a photographic project conceived since 2019 in which I investigate the limits of art and reality. I called a casting in Havana for more than 100 people and from among them I chose 9 actors and actresses to play the role of my grandmothers and grandfathers and thus generate a photographic memory that did not exist for me. We made 29 scenes in their own homes. The idea was inspired by the anecdote “borrowed dogs” by Richard Avedon, one of my first references.
Multi Expo self-Portrait
He told how the action of photographing himself as a family was a staging and how he found photos where they posed in front of facades, cars that were not theirs, they even borrowed dogs from their neighbors for their family album. The project is inspired by the idea that every portrait is a representation, that all family photos are constructed around a certain lie about who we are, and reveal the truth about who we want to be. It also investigates the power of the visual resource to narrate truths, and the power of these constructed truths. It involves meta-photographic concepts because it exposes photography itself.
Multi Expo self-Portrait 01- "Self-portrait with a mustache"
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
For me, inspiration is a bit capricious, a mystery. I have been asked before how I come up with works and although I would love to have a fascinating answer about this, in my case it just happens, an idea grabs me anywhere, at any time. I really come up with a lot of things, most of them bad ones.
Multi Expo self-Portrait
Describe your practice and process. Where do ideas start for you? In the studio or being in the world?
I guess what works for me is looking at the world around me, looking deep into what affects me, consuming art, all of that is what makes me who I am, where it combines and emerges unpredictably like small mutations of my own ideas. Then I work on them, polish them, and subject them to other perspectives with my circle of support.
Multi Expo self-Portrait
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
I have a list on my phone where I jot down ideas wherever they occur to me, then I work on developing them to see how far they go. I research visual references on that, sometimes I make sketches of lighting or composition that I accumulate in a notebook always near my desk.
Photographer in the studio
Many artists live by their routines, what does that look like for you?
I try to keep my schedule very structured, routine is essential to be able to leave free space in the studio to work in a concentrated way. I like to create a balance between the production of new works and time for research and study, I really like to be rigorous in my work, I am excited to build an idea from scratch and to be able to make it more complex. Of course, I always have music with me, one foot in the studio and headphones in my ears, I am quite a music lover.
Multi Expo self-Portrait
Who are your biggest influences?
My first love in terms of inspiration was Avedon, then came others like Martin Schoellero Bruce Gilden but lately I have taken on the task of finding female artists and I am fascinated with Cornelia Parker, Carrie Mae Weems or Gillian Wearing.
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
Poetry and critical essays.
Photographer in the studio
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Artists who stand out are those who are able to take a concept to its ultimate consequences.
From the series "Grandmothers and grandfathers borrowed"
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
Making art out of conviction and never out of complacency, trusting that this is enough.
Portrait of Innovate Grant Honorable Mention Moník Molinet
Stay up to date with Moník Molinet
Website lapistolademonik.com
Instagram @lapistolademonik