"The attempt to grant a fresh air to the classical style is one of the essential characteristics of my work."
Romina Ressia (b. 1981, Argentina) is an internationally acclaimed photographer and visual artist recognized for her distinctive reinterpretation of classical portraiture. Although she developed a passion for art at an early age, she initially pursued studies in Economics before deciding, in her late twenties, to dedicate herself entirely to photography and visual creation. She subsequently studied photography, fashion photography, art direction, and scenography, including training at the renowned Teatro Colón.
Ressia's work is immediately recognizable for its fusion of historical aesthetics and contemporary themes. Inspired by Renaissance painting, Baroque portraiture, and the visual language of classical European art, she creates meticulously staged photographs that evoke the past while addressing issues that remain deeply relevant today. Through this approach, she examines how individuals navigate social change, cultural expectations, and timeless human concerns.
Rather than reproducing historical imagery, Ressia introduces unexpected elements that disrupt the apparent familiarity of her scenes. Contemporary objects, unusual accessories, playful distortions, and surreal interventions create moments of ambiguity and humor. These visual contradictions encourage viewers to reconsider accepted narratives and reveal the often-absurd nature of social conventions and cultural norms.
A defining characteristic of her practice is the balance between refinement and irony. While her compositions display exceptional attention to costume, lighting, gesture, and historical references, they simultaneously maintain a playful and critical perspective. This combination allows her work to operate on multiple levels, engaging viewers through beauty while inviting deeper reflection on identity, power, communication, and human behavior.
Ressia's work has been exhibited internationally in cities including New York, Milan, Edinburgh, Buenos Aires, and Prague. Her photographs have received numerous distinctions, including awards from the Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3) and the International Photography Awards (IPA). Her work is included in public and private collections, notably the Columbus Museum of Art in the United States.
Today, Romina Ressia continues to develop a unique visual language that bridges centuries of artistic tradition. By bringing classical imagery into dialogue with contemporary realities, she creates works that are at once elegant, humorous, and profoundly relevant to the world we inhabit.