UFV alumna Isabella Dagnino’s latest exhibit, “They Only Love Us When We Are Starving,” was on display in the S’eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery between Oct. 5 and Oct. 29.
Dagnino is a photographer and member of the Indigineous and Latinx punk community. She specializes in black and white photography and, before COVID-19, had mostly been using the darkroom to develop her photos. Her exhibition is centred around the “interconnection of land, body, and sense of belonging.” Dagnino finishes her artist’s statement with the line “?This project is a story about living through something, and coming out on the other end,” a perfect sentiment to describe what she has gone through and what the Indigenous community has faced.
The photos in Dagnino’s exhibitions have a soft aura to them, and with the black and white filter, it gives the exact emotion that is intended. Just like in her artist’s statement, the photos make the viewer feel connected to the land. The solitary subjects of each photo make me feel secluded from society, but rooted to the land. The colourless photos and the composition of the subjects make them feel lonely, but still bound to the earth. Overall, the photos feel melancholic and sentimental while also giving viewers a wistful feeling.
Dagnino’s inspiration behind her most recent exhibition is “based on personal experiences and [is meant] to address decolonization and intergenerational trauma in the Indigenous community.”
Like most students, COVID-19 made the university experience challenging for Dagnino, with online Zoom lectures and scheduled times to use equipment and the darkroom. Dagnino had been using the darkroom to develop her photos, but had to make the switch to digital when COVID-19 restrictions became stringent. It was also challenging for her to come to the Abbotsford campus to use the darkroom because she was living in Hope.
Dagnino expressed how amazing some of her professors were, in particular Grace Tsurumaru and Melanie Jones.
“Grace is an angel and always pushing me forward,” said Dagnino. “Everyone is just always challenging you to do your best.”
Dagnino’s advice for aspiring and up-and-coming artists is to “just believe in yourself and your art practice. Keep going and don’t get discouraged. It can definitely be hard and daunting at first, but don’t give up.”
Images: Isabella Dagnino
