10 Questions with Carlotta Olympia Pompei
Carlotta Olympia Pompei is a young freelance photographer based in the United Kingdom, dedicated to capturing the fleeting essence of life through the camera lens. As a citizen of the world, her heart beats to the rhythm of three beautiful countries - Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. France, her birthplace, taught her the art of refinement, while her Italian heritage instilled within her a deep connection to the natural world and a reverence for its beauty. Residing in the UK, she has discovered a unique blend of culture and character that has enriched her perception of life.
Carlotta Olympia Pompei - Portrait
Since childhood, Carlotta has been captivated by the enchanting dance of light that brings the world to life. Growing up amidst the rich cultural milieu of Paris, her love for the arts thrived, flourishing into an unrestrained passion. She became captivated by the tales behind every artist, their singular perspectives, and the emotions they infused into their creations. Being immersed in family photos, tangible mementos of their memories and travels, instilled in her a fervent desire to document. Carlotta's ardour for photography is a precious inheritance from her parents, a testament to their boundless creativity and love for immortalising moments. From her early days as a 90s kid playing with Kodak disposable cameras to her first encounter with the breathtaking possibilities of a digital camera at age ten, she has been entranced by the power of the lens. Her first Nikon camera unveiled a new realm.
The enchanting gift of photography lies in its ability to transport one back to a singular, exquisite moment - one that is both precise and unparalleled. As a visual language, photography speaks, communicating an endless array of emotions and sentiments. While Carlotta holds a deep appreciation for all art forms, it is through the lens of photography that she captures reality, making it her medium of choice - one that is undeniably reflective of our era. On her website, Carlotta offers a glimpse into her mind. With her camera, she captures places, animals, and nature, reminding us of life's fleeting and delicate nature and inspiring her to seize each moment and preserve it with care.
Door. Kyiv, Ukraine, photography, 2021 © Carlotta Olympia Pompei
INTERVIEW
First of all, tell our readers a little bit about you. When and how did you start getting involved with photography?
My name is Carlotta Olympia Pompei. My journey into the world of photography began in my early years, a fascination sparked by the frozen scenes in our family photo albums. My interest deepened as I discovered the magic of capturing the beauty around me. Photography became more than a pastime; it became my way of preserving memories and expressing creativity.
What is your personal aim as an artist?
I aim to create art that resonates with a profound sense of beauty. While depth and complexity play their roles, my central purpose is to design pieces that instantly captivate people. I firmly believe in a piece's power to evoke an immediate response. Through varied compositions, I seek to inspire a sense of fascination and appreciation. Beauty, in my eyes, is not simply a concept but a real encounter.
Angelo. Rome, Italy, photography, 2019 © Carlotta Olympia Pompei
Independence Monument. Kyiv, Ukraine, photography, 2021 © Carlotta Olympia Pompei
Let's talk about your work. What, for you, is the most enjoyable part of your art?
The aspect I love the most is the process of exploration and revelation. It is that unexpected beauty, when I encounter something profoundly captivating that animates my artistic passion. Capturing moments and preserving them in my work brings me joy. It is the essence of my creativity, a journey of endless inspiration that I embrace.
Where do you find inspiration for your work, and what is your creative process like?
I find it in life's simplicity. I discover profound inspiration in the details of the world. My personal creative journey involves exploring unconventional perspectives in everyday moments, immersing myself in nature, and delving into introspection to understand the subtle nuances of various emotions. Traveling has also further enriched both my creative spirit and perspective. Within my work, I experiment with lighting and composition, striving to visually capture and convey life in every picture.
What does your art aim to say to the viewers? And how did you come up with this idea?
My art strives to communicate in a universal tongue. It aims to prompt introspection, much like the essence found in most, if not all, art across the globe. I intend for my work to convey the beauty of simplicity, but also the interconnectedness of all things. The idea behind my art's universal communication is not mine, but it emerged from a profound appreciation for the power of visual language. As I immersed myself in the vast world of art, I observed its incredible ability to transcend all cultural boundaries.
La Pietà. Vatican City, photography, 2022 © Carlotta Olympia Pompei
Pantheon. Rome, Italy, photography, 2019 © Carlotta Olympia Pompei
You mostly work with photography. Why did you choose this medium? And what does it represent to you?
I embraced photography because it empowers me to encapsulate the world precisely as I perceive it. While my initial passion was painting, driven by my love for art, I found photography offered a unique way to capture reality. Painting allowed creative expression, but my desire to capture the world as I saw it led me to choose photography. Photography, for me, serves as a language of profound self-expression.
Where did you get your imagery and visual language from? And how has it evolved over the years?
My imagery and visual language find their essence in nature's ever-shifting scenes, the depth of human emotions, and the diversity of cultural experiences; these all contribute to shaping my artistic perspective. Each encounter, whether with animals, nature, or people, adds a unique layer to my visual storytelling. Over time, I have observed that I embrace a more varied and experimental approach, allowing my work to embody a more nuanced expression.
What do you hope that the public takes away from your work?
I hope that my work encourages a deeper perspective. My intention is to inspire a sense of wonder and introspection, allowing individuals to connect with the emotions captured in my photographs and also find and explore their individual interpretations within the art.
Old Jewish Cemetery. Prague, Czechia, photography, 2022 © Carlotta Olympia Pompei
What is your favorite experience as an artist so far?
My favourite experience as an artist has been seeing my art displayed in galleries. It is a significant achievement, and it inspires me to keep creating and sharing my work with others.
And finally, what are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Is there anything exciting you can tell us about?
I'm currently immersed in editing photos from my recent travels. I am also experimenting with various techniques to enhance my photography skills. I am thoughtfully preparing for my future photography endeavors, researching potential travel destinations, and brainstorming artistic themes to integrate into my projects. Finally, absolutely, there is something I can share. One of my photographs, titled 'Sabine Woman' is currently being showcased in the esteemed Post Office Palace Building in Trieste, Italy. This exhibition will be open for public viewing from October 6 to November 4, 2023.
Artist’s Talk
Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.
