What inspired me in May?
Seeing Differently
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how small shifts in perspective can open entirely new worlds. Whether it’s flipping through the quiet intensity of The Meeting by Nadav Kander, or meeting the mind behind one of Milan’s most fascinating private photography collections, this month reminded me how often beauty appears just outside our usual frame.
I’ve gathered a few discoveries that moved me. Some tactile, some digital, some deeply human. From the raw poetry of Frida Kahlo’s voice to a Substack that rekindles my love for print, these are fragments of inspiration I want to share. Maybe they’ll spark something in you too.
Nadav Kander – The Meeting
This month, I’ve been revisiting The Meeting by Nadav Kander. A photobook that never fails to inspire. Kander’s portraits delve beyond mere likeness, capturing the nuanced emotions and complexities that define his subjects. Whether portraying Barack Obama or Tracey Emin, his work reveals unexpected moments of vulnerability and introspection.
For those interested, the book is available here
Casa Museo Molinario Colombari
During the Turin art fair: Phair, I had the pleasure of meeting Ettore Molinario, the founder of Casa Museo Molinario Colombari in Milan. This private museum, shared with his wife Rossella Colombari, houses an extraordinary photography collection spanning from 1850 to the present. Their home seamlessly blends living space with exhibition areas, creating an intimate environment where art and daily life coexist.
Paper Arts Collective
I’ve been following the Paper Arts Collective Newsletter on Substack, a publication dedicated to the art of photographic printing and the tactile beauty of paper. Their insights into paper selection, printing techniques, and the physicality of photographs resonate deeply with my appreciation for the printed image.
For anyone passionate about the craft of photography, it’s a valuable resource.
Frida (2024) — A Self-Portrait in Her Own Words
Last month I watched Frida, a 2024 documentary directed by Carla Gutiérrez, which offers an intimate exploration of Frida Kahlo’s life through her own words. The film utilizes Kahlo’s diaries, letters, and interviews, brought to life with evocative animation and archival footage, providing a first-person narrative of her experiences.
What intrigues me is the documentary’s approach to storytelling, allowing Kahlo to narrate her own story. This method aligns with my appreciation for authenticity in art and the power of personal narratives. As someone deeply interested in how artists convey their inner worlds, I’m curious to see how this film portrays Kahlo’s complex identity and creative spirit.
Frida is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Fujifilm X-HF1 – A digital camera that thinks in film
The Fujifilm X-HF1 caught my attention this month. It’s a small, vertical-format digital camera inspired by classic half-frame film bodies. It immediately reminded me of the Olympus Pen I used to shoot countless rolls of film with. That camera taught me to think in diptychs, to see connections between frames. And that’s exactly what this one encourages as well, simply by the way it shoots.
The X-HF1 lets you pair two vertical shots into one combined image. It slows the process down with a “film roll” mode where images only appear after the full sequence is finished. There’s something refreshing about that kind of restraint in an age of instant everything.
I don’t own the camera, but I’m seriously considering it for weekends and travels. Not because I need it, but because it feels like a playful, intentional way to look again with curiosity and a bit of nostalgia.
