Luisa Porta, an Italian native born in Turin in 1964, is a renowned photographer specializing in architecture and interior design. Her fascination with contemporary art naturally led her to collaborate with art galleries and capture the artistic endeavors of various artists.
Her work has been featured in prestigious magazines within her field, including The Plan, Elle Decor, AD, Artribune, Living, Lampoon, and Nova Express.
Simultaneously, Luisa pursued personal projects that deeply resonated with her, often in collaboration with fellow photographer Daniele Ratti. One notable undertaking was the documentation of Oscar Niemeyer's architectural marvels.
Another compelling project revolved around Rachid Karami's International Fair, constructed in 1960 in Tripoli, Lebanon. While the project remained unfinished, Luisa Porta curated an exhibition and authored a book dedicated to this remarkable structure.
In her hometown of Turin, Luisa documented the Burgo paper mill, which was established in 1981 and serves as the company's administrative hub.
Her lens also ventured into the world of Sicilian Rationalism. She embarked on a research journey, meticulously capturing the abandoned state of rationalist villages constructed during the fascist era between 1937 and 1940. This insightful project found its way into publications such as Tiroir and Suq magazine.
Luisa Porta's passion for architecture extended to Eritrea, where she delved into the modernist architectural gems built in the 1930s during Italy's colonial rule under the fascist regime.
In the past two years, she expanded her creative horizons by venturing into the realm of cinema. Here, she assumed the role of a set photographer, contributing her artistic touch to various film productions.
Several years ago I visited Lanzarote for the first time, since then I have been completely mesmerized by this land, both in my role as a photographer and on a personal level.
This island possesses a well-defined intrinsic identity that gives it a unique character. The volcanic landscape, the simple architecture blend harmoniously with the location's nature, and the deep-rooted local traditions all contribute to the creation of an extraordinary atmosphere; impossible to find or replicate anywhere else.
Furthermore, the indescribable warmth and hospitality the people of Lanzarote have shown me in my past visits and their dedication to preserving the local culture help shape the island's one-of-a-kind identity.
Lanzarote is considered an island with a fragile ecosystem. Its volcanic geology and arid climate have led to the creation of very specific environmental conditions, which require attentive care to ensure the island's natural balance is maintained.
Lanzarote's linear architecture evokes a deep emotional connection and a sense of belonging to the surrounding environment. The buildings seamlessly integrate into the volcanic landscape, using simple forms, local materials, and neutral colors. It is precisely this harmony between architecture and the natural environment, this sense of balance and continuity, this embracing of the surrounding nature rather than contrasting it, which deeply impressed and fascinated me.
Throughout my work in Lanzarote, I would like to reproduce this harmony by playing with the use of light, choice of perspective, composition, architectural and natural details, perspective and depth.
It will be an ongoing project where the beautiful Lanzarote will guide me in making specific photographic choices regarding what and how to capture and reproduce strong sensations and emotions.
My final product would then be reproduced on a book created in collaboration with 'Paint it Black', a specialized publishing house in art focused on releasing magazines and books covering various sectors of the art world. They would assist me in translating visual and emotional sensations collected during the creative process. The book will be related by an art curator that will write for me the critical test. I believe their values will be aligned with mine and Hector’s.
