Alexandria Norado
The analogue photography of Alexandria Norado, especially the Deity series, are a romantic experimentation in mythology and contemporary portraiture. Utilizing both gels and fabric to diffuse her photos as well as portable LEDs to control lighting if needed, she creates dramatic scenes reminiscent of Shakespearean lore, titan mythology, such as Gaia within the forests, or even redefining urban portraiture.
In the Deity series, these are softly illuminated outdoor scenes of mythological women connected to ancient lore. Not so much a recreation, but rather a personal interpretation, a conceptual conveyance of what contemporary mythology means. Some of the pieces may remind you of scenes from Shakespearean plays such as The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet. In one photograph, the figure lies in water but within darkness, a contemporary twist on the character of Ophelia. With another, we have a young woman with a dagger against her chest in Renaissance clothing reminiscent of Juliet in the final act of The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.
These carefully constructed theatrical scenes, whether they are mythological portraits or modern vogue, convey the figure as interpreted muse through the eyes of Alexandria Norado. Elaborate costumes and sleek figures range from models arranged around Victorian-esque interiors and mirrors to outdoors with laurel wreaths and other historical props such as bows and arrows. This sense of adventure and enchanted fantasy blended with historical and mythological props and acting reveals not only references to the past, but an interpretation with contemporary eyes. In essence, Alexandria Norado invents her own sense of mythology, history, and lore. She partakes in literature reminiscent of Shakespeare, whether intentional or not. In this enchanted realm she has constructed, these actors in the photographs are portrayed with a delicate illumination and elegant costumes which evoke romantic senses of exploration and discovery.
Alexandria Norado challenges conventional notions of historical capturing and even the concept of contemporary portraiture through innovative photographic portrayals based in passion, enchanted light, theatrical conveyance, and narratives which blend the past with present context. These contexts are based in altering narratives based in enhancing the beauty of voguish women in costume design echoing Victorian, Renaissance, and even ancient sensibilities as well as lucid acting invoking adventure and Shakespearian lore. Alexandria Norado’s photograph are an intense study in character, light, sfumato, and summoning of fantasy, history, costume design, and evocative acting into creating a new contemporary mythology and legends.
