The expression of the skin

Featuring Bettina Pittaluga Words by Nastasia Khmelnitski

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Through a genuine interest in the other, Bettina Pittaluga offers a wide variety of stories to learn from and get inspired. In the center of her work, there is an individual revealing their emotions, character, and offering a glimpse into their intimate relationships. By presenting the naked body, the senses of closeness and proximity are awakened, which allows a deeper appreciation of the story.

When speaking about nudity in her work, Bettina explains, “It necessarily involves the other senses because it is impossible not to see, hear and smell people when you are close enough to touch them.” What makes Bettina’s work unique is the tension between the absence and presence of the photographer in the images, the opportunity to witness the life of the other and connect.

Bettina Pittaluga is a French-Uruguayan photographer represented by Rocket Science. She started to photograph at the age of 14, later deciding to choose it as a career path. Bettina believes that her background and roots have an evident impact on her work. Her approach to photography, her subjects, and their stories is strongly affected by her values. Bettina studied sociology and worked as a reporter, which sparked her interest in an authentic representation of people she photographs, developing a unique angle of documentary shoots. The themes she presents come from the desire to introduce a more balanced way of seeing society.

My Story

As a French-Uruguayan photographer, in what way, do your roots affect the themes you choose for your work and the questions you seek answers to through photography?  

I think my roots affect who I am at all times. My work is never detached from who I am and/or vice versa. My values have a very important place in my life, not to say that they are everything.

‘I very strongly think that the omnipresence of whiteness, youth, heterosexuality, the cis man, thinness, wealth... in the media is a huge problem. It is a completely unequal vision of the human race.’

Deconstructing the Narrative 

Focusing on the under-represented, building an authentic story of love, humanity, freedom from the societal norms, what drives your curiosity to shed light on those topics?  

I very strongly think that the omnipresence of whiteness, youth, heterosexuality, the cis man, thinness, wealth... in the media is a huge problem. It is a completely unequal vision of the human race. And I precisely think that this unequal representation is largely responsible for racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, grossophobia until the rejection of old age. It is very important for me to do everything to continue to deconstruct this hegemony, and I will not stop invoking all these fights until they are won. There is no "curiosity," they are not marginalized people, this is not fetishism. All these words are violent to me and are at the heart of systemic racism.

The Characters

When working with the new model, what are the main elements in the process that allow building the feeling of authenticity? Do experience in being a reporter and your knowledge in sociology help tell the story? 

I studied sociology and also worked as a reporter. It's, therefore, really second nature for me to compose with what is already present and existent. It's in reality that I find inspiration. Authenticity is what conducts my life and my work. I never really prepare anything. I arrive on the spot without even knowing it. And then, I trust my feelings and let myself get attracted by colours, lights, and most importantly, the things that inhabit the person.

‘What interests me in nudity — from a pictorial and emotional point of view — is the expression of the skin. It necessarily involves the other senses because it is impossible not to see, hear and smell people when you are close enough to touch them.’

Nude

Let’s discuss the exhibition, Nude, through the perspective of the subject and the story. How do you interpret the main theme of the exhibition through your work?

Nudity in my work expresses physical intimacy. It can be revealed by being in someone's personal space, bonding through physical contact, or skinship. What interests me in nudity — from a pictorial and emotional point of view — is the expression of the skin. It necessarily involves the other senses because it is impossible not to see, hear and smell people when you are close enough to touch them.

The Choice

You’ve been photographing since the age of 14, but only later you decided to turn it into a career. What was the main event or a photoshoot that led you to make this important decision and turn your path into something different? 

As soon as I had a camera in my hands, I never stopped using it as a means of expression. I didn’t think that one day it would be possible that this would be my job ⎯ until I decided to stop everything else and took the risk.

‘I think several events made me realize very quickly that life is short, so I decided to take a risk. As I am a whole person, I couldn't take this risk by halves, so indeed, I stopped everything to devote myself only to photography.’

A Sneak Peek 

Could you provide us a sneak peek into the project you’re currently working on or some of the themes in development? 

I think my next big project will be to make short films. I can't wait!!!