Milena Pazos is a 17-year-old photographer based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
She discovered photography about five years ago.
“At first I shot everything I saw, trying to capture as much as I could about the world around me, without caring about actually producing meaningful work. However, some time later I starting educating myself about photography, there’s a lot of resources that can be found online! I started inclining more about portrait, at the same time that I started asking my closest friends to pose to me (as I’m a very insecure and shy person, who at that time didn’t really believed I’d get very far with my “work”). More and more, I started getting better at it, and finally I couldn’t stop! Nowadays I pretty much take photos every day. I’ve participated in a couple of exhibitions and events here in Buenos Aires and overall I’m very happy with my work’s evolution and the shape my path in this form of art is taking.”
What does feminism/ being a feminist means to you?
Well, when it comes to feminism, I usually stick with the theoretical definition, so for me, feminism means the fight to end the structure of power that holds men at the top and women at the bottom, with the objective that everybody has the same rights. Of course, that definition can take many forms, and something we feminists have to do is to challenge the definition of feminism and constantly find new ways of expressing our fight and try to make this world a more equal place. (Also, something that I’ve seen quite lately is a looot of fights inside the feminist movement… We should also keep in mind that other women and oppressed identities are NOT THE ENEMY, and while we fight among ourselves, the real enemy, the patriarchy, is there laughing so… yeah, we should try to stop that a little bit more).
How would your utopian future world look like? (regards or disregards feminism)
What I want should be a basic human right: to live without fear. Of course, in our present society, at least, woman are scared every time they leave their houses: of getting kidnapped, raped, murdered.
I’d really like not to hear every single day about a woman being killed, just because they’re women. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
What keeps you sane in this insane world?
Fiction, usually. From movies to music to books to art, all of those things make me feel better when everything that happens on our planet is just too insane. Fiction and art have always offered me a cozy shelter to rest and recharge energy to fight the world. Also, Harry Potter, always.
How do you support other women in your field/ in your life? How do you think we should?
Regarding photography, as everything happens online, and most precisely, on Instagram, it’s often the little things that count the most. Supporting artists just by liking their photos, writing supporting comments and posting their work in our stories can make a difference. And, of course, buying their work, going to their expositions… Everything helps a lot!
As to everyday life, I think empathy is essential. Empathy, sorority and willingness to be there for someone else. We humans can be a little self-centered sometimes, so taking the time to let people around you know you’re there for them if they need anything, I believe, can make a difference.
What do you see as your biggest challenge?
Stepping out of my comfort zone is quite challenging to me, both artistically and in my personal life, which can, be a problem.
Of course, photography is all about experimentation, so I’m usually quite enthusiastic about pushing my limits and trying new artistic things. The results are usually better than if I hadn’t try to step out of that comfort zone, which is an incentive to keep doing it!
What cool, interesting Instagram account do you follow?
Lately I’ve been obsessed with @emc.mag, an account created by the (amazing) Argentinian photographer Eliana Morte to promote underrated photographers from all over the world. The feed of the account is gorgeous and the talent of the people there it’s absolutely inspiring!
If you want to follow Milena’s work
INSTAGRAM
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