There is really no good way to describe the fascinating photography of Anna Paola Guerra. Born and based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Anna Paola is a self-taught photographer whose pictures impress with an unfathomable yet hypnotic representation of ordinary subject matter. She photographs nothing other than plants or unremarkable things like soaps, boxes, stools, etc. But the way she photographs them—isolated, from the front, and in a dark, almost sinister light—every object, no matter how banal, seems to become alive.

Hello Anna Paola, thank you for this interview. What are your main interests as a photographer?

When I photograph, I try to separate myself as much as I can from my knowledge, to remove the cultural references we use everyday, including language, from how I look at the world. I want to be captured by the object that sees me, to reverse the look.

How are your images born? What does your typical process in creating a photograph look like?

There is no typical process. I look for an unexpected, fortuitous encounter. The things and objects I photograph are as active as I am, they are able to capture me. I am not in control.

What do you look for from a picture? When do you consider yourself happy with an image you made?

When they are not representing anything, telling stories or hinting at any reference.

Can you please choose a few of your images and share some insight into them?

They don’t need words. No communication, no information. They are about something else resisting the imperative of making sense, meanings and stories.

Where do you draw inspiration for your photographs?

Disparate sources. Anything can be of inspiration.

Who are some of your favorite contemporary photographers?

I don’t have any  favorite contemporary photographers.

Do you have any other passion beside photography?

Music and dancing.

Choose your #threewordsforphotography.

Apparition. Disappearance. Silence.