Brazilian photographic artist Mariana captures the essence of diverse cultures and landscapes through a distinctive fusion of pictorialism and street photography. Her artistic vision is deeply influenced by her experiences living in France, Singapore, South Korea, and now Rome, Italy. Immersed in Rome's rich history and dynamic street scenes, she crafts compelling visual narratives that transcend cultural boundaries, blending documentary authenticity with painterly aesthetics.
Her work is characterized by a strong storytelling depth and an intimate, evocative style, often drawing on personal experiences to explore themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time. This is particularly evident in projects such as Caminho dos Gerais, Ethereal Echoes of Happy Times, and Shadows of Solitude: A Silent Dialogue, where she weaves emotional narratives through light, shadow, and texture. Her recent exploration of pictorialism techniques allows her to transform everyday scenes into dreamlike compositions, merging reality with imagination.
Holding a doctorate in quantum physics, Mariana brings a meticulous, experimental approach to her creative process. Her scientific background informs her deep understanding of light and perception, leading her to experiment with long exposure, double exposure, and stop motion techniques. This fusion of science and art is especially prominent in series like Castle of Dreams and Liquid Impressions, where she invites viewers into thought-provoking realms where the tangible and ethereal coexist.
Her multicultural experiences have shaped a unique photographic perspective, as seen in projects such as Once Called Home, A Timeless Land in Motion, and Many Chinas. These works capture the essence of diverse cultures and metropolitan life, revealing hidden beauty in unexpected places. Whether through the raw spontaneity of street photography or the poetic softness of pictorialism, her images invite viewers to see the world through a lens that celebrates both reality and imagination.
Mariana's work has been exhibited internationally, including at:
Reading as an Act of Power, Studio Gallery, Lisbon, Portugal
Open Art Rome, Art Number 23, Gallery Medina, Rome, Italy
Una Mostra da Paura, Ariccia, Italy
Rome Art Expo, MUSA, Italy
Collettiva Fotografica Pigneto, Italy
Urban Exhibits: Photo Days Tour, Italy
Her project Caminho dos Gerais, a Travel to the Origins was a finalist at the Travel Awards 2025, recognizing her ability to capture the essence of place and time through a deeply personal yet universal lens.
Mariana's academic background includes a degree in Physics, a Master’s in Physics, and a Ph.D. in Quantum Physics. She has further refined her artistic skills through specialized courses, including Seeing Through Photographs (MoMA) and Michigan State University’s Photography Basics and Beyond Specialization.
Influenced by personal experiences and human connections, Mariana’s work continues to evolve as she experiments with techniques that bridge the gap between photography and painting. While her artistic journey began with street photography—still one of her strongest passions—her recent focus on pictorialist-inspired imagery allows her to craft scenes that feel timeless, immersive, and rich in atmosphere. Her work is a testament to the interplay between science and art, a visual exploration of light, emotion, and the unseen narratives that shape our world.