NFTs

Fares Micue

Fares Micue’s beginning with photography: It started as a hobby on social media in 2009, but has since developed into something more. The self-taught artist creates conceptual images featuring herself in minimalistic settings and saturated colors to inspire messages of hope, optimism, empowerment, and self-love. Her signature style is very present in her Other Avatars.

Fares, I love how you took your social media hobby beginnings to the next level. The results really pay off. How do you stage these?

I work indoors as well as outdoors since my work is very conceptualized.

I always have notes in which I plan the outfit, the colors and even the pose and this functions as a script for my shooting day. I try to be as precise as possible with my notes to not waste any time.

Do the notes include sketches as well?

Yes, for the most part. They are not the best, but they help. I think practice is key to develop the spacial awareness

Do you work alone or with a team?

I work alone. It was especially challenging at the beginning, but now I am pretty much used to it and actually prefer it. By doing self-portraits you get to know your body and face very well and you can tell by the way the other person is holding the camera or phone that you won’t look that good.

So you could say that the act of creating these as well as the final result inspires independence, motivation, and self empowerment!

Definitely!

Can you tell us a bit about your journey from amateur photography on social media to becoming a Saatchi Art artist?

As you said, I started my hobby in 2009. Over the years I kept practicing it and started to notice that my work was getting better, but I still didn’t feel it was very personal. When I started my self-discovery and empowerment journey I began to feel that I had a message to share and my approach changed, therefore changing the style of my images. That was when I decided to try and sell my work.

The main message in my work is empowerment, the invitation to self-discovery, and the importance of healthy self-esteem.

Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists! I love his use of color and I also his still life paintings so I was delighted to be part of this project and I tried my best to make a nice fusion between Van Gogh’s art and mine. These are some of my works where you can see his influence:

What was your first thought when you were offered to participate in this NFT project and how has the process surprised you?

I was very happy, but as time went by I became nervous about the process especially when I started seeing the work of other participants. I think the project was especially challenging for the photographer. I recently talked with Mallory Morrison another photographer in the project about it and I felt happy to know I wasn’t the only one who felt like that!

Did you ever experience doubts about choosing your original style in a Van Gogh-themed project?

No, I didn’t have doubts about it. Although Van Gogh is not famous for being the happiest artist, I get the feeling from his work and life that he was positive and optimistic because despite the adversities, he never gave up on his passion that was painting.

It was great to be part of this project and see how many different interpretations can be born from the same idea – the beauty of diversity at its best. It further strengthened my idea that nothing is impossible and more often than not, there is always a lesson to learn behind the things that scare you.

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