“Art is about expression and exploring certain themes, and not always the same mediums are suitable to speak about everything or for every moment.”
A Journey Rooted in Heritage and Discovery
Romina Ressia’s work reflects a unique blend of her Argentine roots and Italian heritage, shaping a distinctive visual identity that transcends geographical boundaries. With training in photography, art direction, and set design, her career embodies a continuous evolution of artistic exploration. Early passions for drawing and painting were nurtured without the aid of formal photography education in her hometown, pushing her toward self-teaching through hands-on experimentation. This independent spirit laid the foundation for her career, where personal drive and curiosity guided her path.
Her transition from the corporate sector to full-time artistry was not a sudden leap but a necessary step toward authentic expression. Feeling confined in a business environment, she embraced the artistic calling that had been growing within her since childhood. With formal studies reinforcing her practice, she began shaping a personal visual language, one that naturally fused elements from different periods of art history with contemporary sensibilities.
Ressia’s work is not easily confined to one category. Instead, it unfolds as a conversation between diverse themes—social structures, interpersonal relationships, and the place of women in society—all tied together through an underlying interest in human emotion. Her projects serve as an exploration of both timeless and urgent issues, balancing references to classical aesthetics with modern cultural dialogue.
Romina Ressia: A Distinctive Approach to Creation
In her creative process, Ressia opts for simplicity over excess. Minimalist workspaces, carefully selected lighting, and a restrained set design place emphasis on the subtle expressions and emotions of her subjects. This controlled environment is further shaped by a deliberately small and trusted team, primarily working with a long-time collaborator on hair and makeup. Such intimacy fosters an atmosphere where authenticity thrives.
She avoids unnecessary distractions by maintaining this streamlined method of working, allowing ideas to emerge organically. Her philosophy emphasizes connection with the model, often prioritizing psychological depth over visual spectacle. The deliberate absence of elaborate equipment or busy backdrops ensures that her images maintain a clarity of focus, both visually and conceptually.
Even with this pared-back approach, Ressia’s art is rich in cultural and historical references. Her admiration for Renaissance and Baroque works influences not only the aesthetics but also the compositional structures within her photography. These inspirations are not imitations; rather, they are reimagined in ways that merge the grace of past eras with the sensibilities of the present.
Echoes of the Past, Voice of the Present
From an early age, Ressia was captivated by the grandeur of Renaissance and Baroque art. This admiration has never waned, but instead has been transformed into a contemporary lens through which she views her subjects. By incorporating these historical influences, her work builds a bridge between eras, offering a fresh interpretation of visual traditions.
Her celebrated series “How Would Have Been?” exemplifies this approach. While she had previously worked with historical aesthetics, this project crystallized her style, opening professional doors and deepening her artistic identity. The series juxtaposes period-inspired styling with distinctly modern elements, prompting viewers to reconsider the past through a present-day perspective.
This blending of time periods creates an ongoing dialogue between what was and what is. The viewer is invited to navigate a space where historical beauty meets contemporary thought, highlighting how human experience—though shaped by different eras—shares universal threads of identity, struggle, and aspiration.
Romina Ressia: Beyond the Frame
While photography remains her most recognized medium, Ressia refuses to be confined by it. Her practice extends to painting, embroidery, textile work, and an emerging interest in sculpture. Each medium serves as a different language, allowing her to address themes that may not be suited to photography alone.
Her openness to diverse forms of creation underscores a belief that art is defined by expression rather than by medium. This adaptability has led her to pursue ideas over long periods, sometimes waiting years before executing a concept once the timing and resources align. For Ressia, patience and persistence are integral to the creative process, ensuring that every piece resonates with the depth it deserves.
This philosophy reflects an understanding that art evolves with the artist’s own life and experiences. Projects set aside for years may eventually find their moment, resulting in works that feel both timely and timeless. In each pursuit, whether photographic or tactile, Ressia continues to challenge the boundaries of her own artistry while inviting her audience into a space of shared curiosity and reflection.
