The LGA Management / JANVIER endowment : Silvana Trevale

Silvana Trevale, was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Her portrait based work is a fusion between documentary and fashion. She seeks to celebrate the intrinsic beauty of the human body, her Latin American roots, womanhood, youth hood and the realities of people around her. The escalating crisis in her home country motivated her to produce the series Venezuelan Youth. This project was presented at Silvana’s a solo exhibition at ThePrintSpace in London and the Vogue Italia’s Photo Vogue Festival in 2020. Furthermore, Silvana has earned recognition for other projects such as ‘Comadres’, ‘Cayetana’ and others exhibited at the Vogue Italia’s PhotoVogue Festival in 2012, 2022, and 2023. The photographer has returned to Venezuela every year since 2017 to document the lives of women, the youth, and children amidst the backdrop of economic, social, and political turmoil. Her academic journey, pursuing a Master’s degree, has allowed her to delve deeper into her familial roots. Silvana collaborated from afar with her grandmother, Rosa, and her mother, Maria, crafting a heartfelt homage to Latin American mothers. She takes pride in paying tribute to her personal heroines, exemplified by formidable women like her great grandmother, Cayetana. Silvana’s creative mission is to conjure up childhood memories, invoking the nostalgia of the ocean, the sun, and the warmth of her homeland, Venezuela, even while residing far from its shores. Over the past two years, her work has centered on celebrating the multi-faceted nature of her homeland, a place where beauty and chaos harmoniously coexist. Witnessing the endurance of traditions during trying times has driven her to document them, ensuring their preservation for posterity, so they are never lost nor forgotten.

“Earlier this year, while in Chuao, a small beach town in Venezuela’s Aragua state, I worked with the local fisherwomen. Amidst their vibrant attire and meticulous preparation for the day’s work, I noticed their underlying concern as their livelihoods depended on the day’s catch. These women, adorning themselves with colorful clothes, makeup, and manicured nails, use their appearance as a statement of power and individuality while toiling at sea with heavy nets. Over the past three years, my photographic journey in Venezuela has captured the resilience and creativity amidst adversity. Collaborating with stylist and creative director Daniela Benaim, this longterm project blends art, fashion, and surrealism to offer a unique perspective on Venezuela’s complexity. Initially exploring youth in crisis, my focus shifted to showcasing the enduring beauty and cultural richness amid turmoil, preserving traditions for posterity. Despite years of turmoil, cultural traditions endure as sources of resilience and community across six states. From traditional dances like Joropo to the unwavering dedication of Chuao’s cacao-processing women, this project celebrates Venezuela’s strength, passion, and cultural resilience amid challenges like inflation and social injustice. In tribute to Venezuela’s heroines, this project highlights their enduring spirit and contributions to a brighter future. It showcases the depth and beauty of Venezuelan culture, emphasizing vibrancy and resilience in the face of adversity.”

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Eufonía Continuation

“As an extension of the project, I aim to revisit Venezuela to further document the richness and cultural heritage of my homeland. Specifically, I plan to collaborate with a local orchestra situated on the island of Margarita. Supported by the Artesano group, an organization endorsed by UNESCO, this orchestra strives to preserve and cultivate cultural projects at risk of being lost in Venezuela. Having previously worked with this orchestra comprised of numerous children and teenagers dedicated to honing their musical skills, I am eager to expand upon my initial photo series by creating a documentary film. Witnessing the passion and hope carried by these young musicians, who aspire to pursue music as a means of securing better opportunities abroad, I am convinced that their story merits a powerful cinematic representation. Through a collaborative effort between our cinematography team and the musical talent of the orchestra, I believe we can create a compelling and impactful film.”