Interview Questions
Why do you take and create images?
It’s become a natural thing to do for me. As much as I wanted to excel in abstract painting, I became drawn to photography as a form of self-expression.
How do you define your photographic/artistic body of work? What subjects do you often explore in your work?
Low-key moody B&W with sensual undertones.
Abstractions (from nature), females, female landscapes, sometimes street and travel.
What motivates your work?
Connectedness.
What relationship does your work have with reality?
Sometimes, it’s a subconscious take on presenting different facets of reality. When i portray feelings, I rely heavily on abstractions from nature (seascapes, for example). Meanwhile, in portraying the world as it is, I have these moments wherein I walk it off and document the streets (mostly), a silent and discreet observer.
For you, what is the purpose of art?
Art, as a reflection of inner truths, or alternate realities.
Also, to stir the senses.
How do you want the public to respond to your work? Do you have a particular audience in mind?
I’ve encountered individuals who told me that my works speak to them, sometimes in strange, inexplicable ways. A touch of melancholy here and there.
As sentimental as it seems, maybe I just want for the audience to feel connected to the work, find familiarity and warmth.
What is your training? Were you trained as a photographer?
I studied film and digital photography as electives in college and had a short stint training as a photographer for The Picture Company, but as to developing my artistic style, I’m pretty much self taught.
How do you define your actual professional situation? What are your expectations?
I’m currently a part-time lifestyle photographer as I have a day job working as a government employee. I try to balance everything, from doing client work to continually paying attention to my artistic pursuits.
Expectations.. to get back on track and continue doing photography, and hopefully be able to pay it forward.
It’s hard to live off art. Does this affect you and your work?
Yes. But it also helps that I have alternate realities, so to speak. When I do fine art photography (for initiatives like Umbra), I get to isolate that particular reality. It gives me something to look forward to.
Have you worked with gallerists, curators, institutions and other art professionals? Can you discuss more about this particular relationship?
Yes, mostly with curators from Cebu, and recently Manila for Umbra 2.0. The Cebu exhibits I’ve participated in were all organized by friends who I’m co-members with in an art group.
In your opinion, what is the current state of contemporary photography in the Philippines?
Vibrant, promising.
How do you want contemporary photography to develop in the Philippines?
What I want is for more artists to breakthrough and discover the photographic style that speaks to them the most. It helps to have your own voice, one that leaves a lasting imprint.
Hopefully, more opportunities as well for artists to exhibit their work, perhaps a nurturing environment that serves as an effective platform for expression and inspiration.
CV
Name: Banawe Baybay Corvera
Lives in Butuan City, but Cebu is her 2nd home
Email: banawebaybaycorvera@gmail.com
Website: www.facebook.com/photodiaries/
Education:
2006 – 2010 BA Mass Communication, University of the Philippines – Cebu, Cebu City (PH)
Exhibitions:
2017 Umbra 2.0, Vetro Gallery, Quezon City, PH (trio show)
2016 Umbra, 856 G Gallery, Cebu City, PH (duo show)
2015 HER/A, 856 G Gallery, Cebu City, PH (group show)
2014 A Box of Little Secrets: X, The Chillage, Cebu City, PH (group show)
2013 Box of Little Secrets: Venus, A Little Piece of Sky (ALPS) Cafe, Cebu City, PH (group show)