Joya: AiR / Oriana Confente / CAN

“I came to Joya to harmonize my practice, seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional (often toxic) photographic methods. While in residency, I tested forms of plant-based film development. Some techniques worked, and others didn’t, but I felt fortunate to have space to play with new processes without the pressure of deliverables. Equipped with a darkroom studio and free to roam around the expansive land surrounding the home, it was a joy to take my time exploring and learning about the prickly plants growing in the area. 

My project became about impressions: What impression was I leaving on this place? What impression was this place leaving on me? The physical impression of activated plants on a photographic emulsion, and the abstract impression left by their silhouettes. 

I left Joya relaxed, invigorated, serene, excited, and well-fed. 

Thank you, Simon and Donna, for this incredible, enriching experience”!

Oriana Confente

Oriana Confente is a writer, photographer, and maker-of-things. They completed a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication Design at the University of Waterloo (Canada) in 2020, where they began developing research-creation projects through experimental media. Their practice continues to be research-based and explores concepts connected to posthumanism(ish) and sustainability.

Confente is currently based in Montréal, where they have exhibited multimedia works. Their writing and creative projects have been published in Feral Feminisms, The Digital Review, Batshit Times, and more.