Asia de Montesquieu: "I don’t want my photography to just be a language that speaks in aesthetics, however, also as a language to empower the powerless."
BPP: Identity: Who you are? And who you
really are?
Asia de Montesquieu: First of all, I’m pleased and honored be a part of this Art Project, and wanted to thank you for choosing me to join this inspiring initiative.
I’m Asia De Montesquieu, a female fashion, portrait and advertising photographer.
My purpose as a photographer is to capture contrasting blends of organic raw realism, surrealism, and mystery to vulnerability of people ranging from actors to authors, musicians to muses.
I grew up in various continents throughout my life, from North America to Europe. As a cosmopolitan nomad I would say I reside everywhere, and the world is my country.
My purpose in life is to use photography as a medium to make a difference in this world, to enlighten and empower, to inspire and convey substantial messages through imagery.
" La Vie en Rose" - Image courtesy: Asia de Montesquieu
BPP: If you could say something important you've learned all these years of your life, to the other people and they were able to listen to you, what would you like to tell them?
Asia de Montesquieu: To embody what is the closest to your heart into a profession. I served several nternational organizations and Embassies overseas, with a 9 to 5 lifestyle in an office
environment, which is completely opposite to what I currently endeavor in the creative photography industry.
Although some of these previous professional experiences have been an exceptional learning experience for me, as a creative soul, I broke the chains of the illusion of comfort of a payroll life. I have decided to follow my longtime dreams to pursue a career as a photographer, relatively recently.
Untitled - Image courtesy: Asia de Montesquieu
Asia de Montesquieu: I am completely autodidact, without guidance or assistance, I taught myself everything from lighting techniques to post-processing. Besides majoring in European Art History, I never had a formal photography education.
Untitled - Image courtesy: Asia de Montesquieu
Asia de Montesquieu: Prior to that, others often discouraged me when I expressed the ambition to turn my passion for photography into a profession. I was told I would never make it. That I was just dreaming. However, eventually, I refused to any longer listen to negative, toxic, and perhaps envious people, and started surrounding myself with people who accepted me for who I am. Who believed in me.
"Vulnerable" - Image courtesy: Asia de Montesquieu
Asia de Montesquieu: As life is short and there is no rehearsal, the essential road is to make yourself happy in what you engage professionally. Within that journey, it’s paramount to choose people in your life who accept your choices in life, and value you for being you.
Untitled - Image courtesy: Asia de Montesquieu
BPP: What is your real dream, the one that keeps you awake at nights and if one day it will come true, you will feel your heart calm and peacefull?
Asia de Montesquieu: My dream is to use photography as a medium to cover human rights and social matters with an artistic flavor and making a difference. I don’t want my photography to just be a language that speaks in aesthetics, however, also as a language to empower the powerless.
This is when my heart will become peaceful and calm.
"Rabbit Hole" - Image courtesy: Asia de Montesquieu
BPP: How is life for the people in your country today? What do you wish to happen to them and to the people of this planet at large?
Asia de Montesquieu: I’m currently visiting Montréal, Canada for an extended stay. This until me and my partner make a move to New York or Los Angeles. Montréal is an eclectic, vibrant
cosmopolitan bilingual city with a French and North American ambiance. I notice residents have respect and social consideration for each other in Canada. I feel Canada is a peaceful society and people seem happy.
Untitled - Image courtesy: Asia de Montesquieu
When I lived in Europe, the Netherlands, already changed a lot in the past 10 years, since Theo Van Gogh - a Dutch filmmaker who directed the movie ‘Submission’ in collaboration with Ayaan Hirshi Ali - was murdered by an extremist.
Politically and socially this has caused a lot of ethnic tensions between immigrants and non-immigrations residing in the Netherlands. In particular, since one of the members of the Dutch parliament, Geert Wilders, has been comparing the Koran with Mein Kampf by Hitler.
"Mistaya Hemingway - Image courtesy: Asia de Montesquieu
BPP: If you had the chance to be a child again, will you choose to do the same life you do?
Asia de Montesquieu: Yes. In fact, when I was a young girl, I was already fascinated by the arts, architecture, photography and film. I frequently lived in my own world, and was always visualizing scenarios in my mind I wanted to capture, eternalize. I had my first instamatic camera when I was 5, and was taking photographs during my travels in Paris.
Self Portrait - Image courtesy: Asia de Montesquieu
BPP:Which exactly was the moment you understood what you want to do in your life? How did you feel at this very moment?
Asia de Montesquieu: Deep down inside I always knew what I wanted. I just waited too long to fully embrace my dreams. Take my advice. Don’t wait. Just do what you like. Do what makes you happy and commences your days with enthusiasm.
"Arthur Holden" - Image courtesy: Asia de Montesquieu
Pick a camera. Any camera. And just have fun. Thanks to my dancing background among ballet, I can moonwalk sideways, which sometimes can very useful during a photography shoot.
Thank you again for making me part of this inspiring Art Project, Ismini!
"Soul" - Image courtesy: Asia de Montsquieu
If you want to learn more about Asia de Montesquieu:
Photos © by Asia de Montesquieu -All rights reserved
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