Feminist art pushes away from reductive visuals that leave women as objects of the male gaze. Ana Dria's art form enacts strength through embracing fragility and baring her soul. What she doesn't say in words comes out through her images, which also keep alive the medium of film photography.

"Film is literally controlled light exposed onto emulsion operated entirely by the photographer," says Dria. "There’s something special about that. You can’t replace the authentic nature of the process with digital pixels." Her love for photography was sparked at the age of 12 when she started following a photographer's blog. That artist's name escapes her, but she recalls a simple yet wondrous self-portrait with the photographer perched on a couch in the middle of a forest.

Many photographers pursuing fine arts images project a greater sense of themselves. Dria embraces reality with shoots that can either be improvised or meticulously planned out. Her visuals are sometimes playful, but always intimate. Dria says, "There is an overarching theme of existing in a constant state of reverie in which each photo often reflects a state of mind that I have yet to fully comprehend. It’s my attempt to explore different levels of the subconscious and create tangible imagery from within that." 

She recently completed a zine called Absent, which compiled guest poems together with her own photos on the subject of depersonalization. In making it, she collaborated with other talented creatives interested in raising awareness about a mental disorder that isn't commonly known. 

Female friendships and the support systems they foster are extremely important to Dria. Women are primarily the subjects of her photo shoots. The image below represents the growth she has experienced while flourishing in the last year due to the loving friendships she's cultivated.

Keep up to date with Ana Dria's visual captures by visiting her Instagram and portfolio. While still a student at UNT, Dria's photos appeared in the magazines Nakkid and Austere as well. 

Portraitures by Adrian Samano
Other images courtesy of Ana Dria
Header image designed by Brittany Keeton