In 100 Ideas That Changed Photography, author Mary Warner Marien catalogues self-documentary as idea number 77. “The photographic self-portrait may conceal as well as a reveal,” Marien writes. “It is an investigation as well as a representation of identity.” This is certainly true of Fares Micue’s (b. 1987) delightful body of work, in which the self-taught Spanish artist appears against brightly coloured backdrops, her face obscured by balloons, origami butterflies, paper cranes and blooming flowers. The pictures are full of symbolism, delivering a message of personal growth, self-love and empowerment. “I want my images to give hope and teach people to appreciate themselves, to love, dream and believe that everything is possible.” You can’t help but be inspired – not only by Micue’s missive, but by her creativity and attention to detail. Every element, from props and framing to colour matched styling, is carefully curated and delivered perfectly. @faresmicuephotography
Image credits:
1. Fares Micue, Growing Wild, (2019). Image courtesy of the artist.
2. Fares Micue, Soul of a Hummingbird, (2021). Image courtesy of the artist.
3. Fares Micue, Yellow Moon (2022). Image courtesy of the artist.
4. Fares Micue, Blue Moon, (2022). Image courtesy of the artist.
5. Fares Micue, Under the Same Moon, (2021). Image courtesy of the artist.
6. Fares Micue, The Venus Touch, (2019). Image courtesy of the artist.
7. Fares Micue, Pink Moon, (2022). Image courtesy of the artist.
8. Fares Micue, Pieces of the Sky, (2021). Image courtesy of the artist.
9.Fares Micue, A Distant Memory, (2022). Image courtesy of the artist
10.Fares Micue, Fly Me Away, (2020). Image courtesy of the artist.
11. Fares Micue, Lost in the Starry Night, (2021). Image courtesy of the artist.
