Eloquent Metaphors of a Censored Time

Eloquent Metaphors of a Censored Time is a photography book exploring the value of metaphors as a way to communicate under the censorship of former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. In a time in which the followers of fascism are again rising and aesthetics are defined by Social Media algorithms I aim to investigate the value of elegance and inconspicuous communication.

Initial Spreads

Image Spreads

The success of my project is defined by communicating subversive topics that challenge Franco's censorship in a nuanced and inconspicuous manner, thus avoiding detection and potential banning by the authorities contemporary to the authoritarian regime.

Considering the present stigmatisation and their controversial nature, I have decided to engage with themes such as Abortion, Trans Rights, Religious Freedom, Queer Relationships, and Masturbation in my work.

Art Directed Images

Art direction plays a very important role in attributing an image with various levels of value. It goes a step beyond simply conveying information by encompassing considerations of discourse and aesthetics allowing viewers to establish emotional connections. 

While I attended the metaphorical, aesthetic, and discoursal considerations through the process of art directing, it was the expertise of Shahab Ganavati that brought the photographs to life.