Photographer: Txema Yeste. Model(s): África Peñalver. Source: Vogue España. Stylist: Marta Bajo.
Posted Jul 18, 2020
Africa Penalver finds her heart is at home in ‘Todo Queda En Casa’ by Txema Yeste for Vogue España, July 2020. Finding beauty in the banal. This story aims to export the idea of boring, by viewing the, so called, ordinary aspects of human life through an abstract lens. Reexamination requires that we not only look from a new view, but that we see all things through a new hue. Things that bring us to a place of pure potential. Like a mystic traveler we watch Africa rediscover this place she calls home. A poet a princess a fairy a queen, open your mind to this visual dream. To perceive we must be ready to conceive, for it is only then that we can truly believe. This is a mindful journey of discovery that brings forth the concept of change.
To be still is a virtue, to be stagnant is a shame. Being still is a state of being real. The abstract notion that nothing stays the same is artfully challenged in this exquisite editorial. Embracing an aire of mystery, this story captures a sentiment of change. Change is mystic traveler. Ever moving ever progressing. It is the art of evolution. Freedom is found, not in the ability to do, but often in the wonder of withholding. To act overtly is common. To over-conceptualize is counter-productive. Finding that center space where the mind and body can come together. A place where the forces of humanity work in concert to create a place of poetic intent. That exquisite level of alertness allows the mind/body mix to soar. I’m not looking for the nexus of neutrality, I’m seeking a higher level of sentience. I’m seeking a kind of mental Nirvana.
Marta Bajo takes us on a scenic journey of soulful change. Asking that we tell our truth as we bare our souls. Stretch the mind to it’s furthest reaches, there we might find a place to be free. Of feeble yearnings yell out to be, of further leanings we long yet to see. Stop in the name of pain. Stop the hurting. Stop the insane. We’re not made to play this insipid game. We are first a caring people. I stretch my arms to their furthest point. I feel my fingers start to rise. Indignant to discomfort we endure to COMPROMISE. A healing heart is an open heart. Healing doesn’t just happen we have to first honor the hurt and then extend our hand out to heal. Artistry mimics life and all it’s folly. This is a story of strength, sadness and everything in-between
Freedom is found when we connect with the ground. We are the land the land is we… the universe of one in harmony. There’s a visceral feel to Yeste’s work. His remarkable ability to focus in on the picture behind the painting, on the truth beyond the tale. He has the uncanny ability to bring us close yet keep us at bay. He invites a kind of humanity that exists outside of the lines. Nothing is as it seems, yet everything is just as he would deem it to be. Artfully depicted in all it’s tragedy and triumph. The scenery is devoured as each shot deigns to deliver a mutiny of meaning. We can snuggle in the bosom of banality or we can swim into the artful unknown. Through the clouded ways of these newborn days brings a breath of new borne life. Txema Yeste and Marta Bajo come together to deliver a delicious piece that plays to our times.
Softness speaks in whispers
the boisterous sings in rhyme
‘Todo Queda En Casa’
says my heart is my home in time
we are the land the land is we
the universe of one in harmony
poetic prose – tanyajo
