Ana Blumenkron. Courtesy of the artist.
This weekend I have the honor of introducing you to a very talented artist, Ana Blumenkron (b. 1989, Mexico City). Blumenkron is a Mexican photographer based in London whose art practice focuses on gender and the roles we all play in society.
In 2019 Blumenkron formed part of the 100 most Creative Mexicans in the World by Forbes Mexico. Since then, her work has been exhibited throughout Europe, Asia, and Mexico, with her most recent exhibition, Rehabitar el Silencio (2022), at Patricia Conde Galería, Mexico City. Blumenkron has also received numerous awards, such as Camaradas, awarded by the Mexican Embassy in the UK, among others.
Blumenkron has a Bachelor's degree in Media Communications from Universidad Iberoamericana Mexico City, Mexico, and a Master's degree in Photojournalism and Photography Documentary from the University of the Arts London, UK, from which she received the highest honors.
Without further due, here is my interview with her.
Please tell us about your background and what inspired you to become an artist.
I am a Mexican photographer that has been obsessed with the medium since childhood. I secretly believe all photographers are nostalgic beings collecting past events. For me, I started looking at my family albums. I was so keen to understand who were the people in the photos. Currently,
most of my work is around family and romantic relationships. I came to London three years ago to study for an MA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography at LCC and now live here full time.
Ana Blumenkron. Image from her "Foreplay" series. Courtesy to the artist.
Your work focuses on the significant themes of feminism, gender stereotypes, and how the media represent women. Has this always been integral to your art practice, or has the theme evolved as you've spent more time as an artist?
It was something in the bone of my projects, but I was able to embrace it fully during my MA. My research was around romantic relationships, sexuality, and representation. To explain theoretically
what I was feeling and talking about.
Ana Blumenkron. Image from her "Dream House" series. Courtesy to the artist.
How much do seasons or geographical locations affect your work? For example, do certain places inspire you more than others, and therefore you see changes in what you focus your lens on?
More than inspiration, I would say being a migrant artist gives me freedom. London gives me a sense of anonymity and safety to produce "controversial" work.
Ana Blumenkron. Image from her "Dream House" series. Courtesy to the artist.
What is your favorite camera to work with as a photographer, and why?
I absolutely love 35mm color film. Sometimes I carry my big NikonF100 and external flash, but lately, a point-and-shoot Pentax. I like to take pictures quickly but well thought out.
Ana Blumenkron. Image from her "Dream House" series. Courtesy to the artist.
What advantages or setbacks have you encountered as an artist living in London, one of the art world capitals?
The freedom mentioned earlier and the exposure. Living in London is where things are happening, the market is alive, and exciting opportunities are going on. But that also attracts fierce competition from other talented artists. I feel a massive privilege to scratch the surface of the art market in a country like the UK, and I understand the privilege of producing work here.
Ana Blumenkron. Image from her "Play Date" series. Courtesy to the artist.
Who are the living artists that inspire you?
Quetzal Maucci, Spoon Shao, Claire Eggers, Laia Abril, Donna Ferrato, Ewa Partum, Michaela Coel, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Zanele Muholi, Haley Morris-Cafiero, Sim Chi Yin, Rineke Dijkstra, Koral Carballo, Viridiana, Yvonne Venegas, Graciela Iturbide, Patricia Lagarde, Martha Rosler,
Max Houghton, Amalia Ulman, Silvana Trevale, Lynsey Addario, and many other talented female-identifying artists.
Ana Blumenkron. Image from her "Play Date" series. Courtesy to the artist.
You've worked with big industry names such as Vogue, Dior, and Netflix, to name a few, but are there other dream collaborations you'd like to manifest in the near future?
For my art practice, I want to develop a book about queer communities in Mexico City. For the professional side, I would like to work with more media like Refinery29 and The New Statesman, as well as shooting stills for a feature film.
Ana Blumenkron. Image from her "She Ate The Tablecloth" series. Courtesy to the artist. This work was laureate by Dior Photography Awards for Young Talents 2019.
Final question, if you could acquire any piece of art (from a dead or living artist, could be off the market in a museum, etc.), what would it be and why?
I would buy the print of Claude Cahun's "I am in Training Don't Kiss Me." Her work is outstanding in questioning gender.
Claude Cahun, I am in training, don't kiss me, 1927.
Instagram: @blumenkron
Website: anablumenkron.com
If you want to discover talented emerging artists, such as Ana Blumenkron, to begin investing in their careers, I can help. As an art advisor, I do the research so that you can make informed decisions when buying art. With my help, you can discover artists that best fit your taste, space, budget, and goals.
You can contact me here.