Julia de la Torre

Introducing: Ana Bathe

Ana Bathe, Berlin-based photographer, model and makeup artist shares with us the vision behind the composition of her photographs.

“My work often takes a critical view of political, social and cultural issues, through exploration of gender roles and aims to spark a dialogue about censorship, body politics and the role of gender.” Ana tells us “By simultaneously assuming the roles of the model, make-up artist and photographer, I am able to give my philosophies a visual body.”

Artist: Ana Bathe

Age: 29

Born in: Belgrade

Based in: Berlin

Inspirations: Poetry, Claude Cahun, Tarkovsky, current events

Themes in your work: Feminism, irony and androgyny

“Sadly a lot of people still need to be reminded, in this day and age, that refugees and immigrants are not here to take your jobs away and that feminism does not equate to men hating.”

Do you think your ethnicity, gender, and/or personal preferences drove you towards becoming an artist?

I think the discrimination I faced when we first immigrated, definitely drove me towards expressing myself in various ways. As I started to grow up, I was more and more drawn to other artistic souls– there definitely seemed to be less prejudice and more acceptance within that community. I could have blue hair without having to answer a dozen questions and I definitely faced way less discrimination and xenophobia.

Artists are some of the most politically/socially engaged people. Do you find yourself actively supporting a particular movement or cause?

Definitely, I think I was 9 or 10 when my mother took me to my first protest in Belgrade, against the Milosevic regime and nationalism. In a way this really shaped me, not only to see how ferocious and grotesque nationalism is, but also to constantly be encouraged to fight it and never simply throw my hands in the air and say ‘Whatever will be, will be. I can’t change a thing.’ Fighting against intolerance and discrimination is something that is very important to me. Sadly a lot of people still need to be reminded, in this day and age, that refugees and immigrants are not here to take your jobs away and that feminism does not equate to men hating.