Venice is truly mesmerizing. Over the centuries, it has continuously charmed and captivated its visitors. Many places have canals and baroque architecture, yet none stimulate the same fascination as Venice, as proven by the ever-increasing number of tourists each year. Black and white photographer Fabiolla Loureiro sought out this enchantment and found it everywhere.
Venice has always compelled me to share its stories, even though it seems to speak for itself. As a photographer, my perspective adds a different dimension, capturing unique feelings and moments. While many photographers focus on technical details, I question how anyone could remain so detached in a city like Venice—a place brimming with history, dreamlike scenery, and distinctive architecture.
My first visit to Venice felt almost surreal, like drifting in a glass of the finest absinthe, where everything felt ethereal and dreamlike. It was winter, cold and damp, with the city shrouded in gray and the water a striking emerald green. Back then, it wasn’t as crowded with tourists as it is today. This memory lingered and inspired me to capture Venice through my developing photography skills. I returned last year to stay longer, immersing myself in the city like a local, taking long walks day and night, just to soak in its essence.
Traveling to Italy is always a delight, but Venice ignites a particular obsession in me. It’s truly one of a kind. While other cities might have similar features, none match Venice’s unique charm and unforgettable allure. Built on low mud banks and regularly threatened by floods, Venice continues to thrive against all odds.
Exploring the quieter parts of the city, I feel an almost tangible connection, as if I’m a part of it. It’s a relationship akin to a mantra, an incessant need to be a part of Venice, to worship its essence. Photographing Venice in black and white allows me to embrace all its beauty and challenges. My goal isn’t to produce typical tourist images but to showcase the blend of culture and beauty. I want to demonstrate how Venice can still teach us through its art, literature, and everyday life amid tourist crowds.
Capturing Venice isn’t about passively watching time pass; it requires full presence—mind, body, and soul. You must embrace the moment and the atmosphere, becoming part of the city’s past, present, and future. Free your mind of worries and open yourself to truly capturing the essence of Venice.
Walking through Venice, I often found myself torn between staying detached and getting closer, seduced by the city’s mystery. This allure draws us all in, especially for those not born there. The secrets hidden behind the walls of Ponte dei Sospiri, inside Palazzo Ducale, or in Hotel Danieli and Biennale Gardens, may never be revealed. This persistent mystery adds to Venice’s beauty and charm, attracting millions of visitors every year. Despite challenges like floods and tourism pressures, Venice remains resilient, continuing to fascinate and inspire.
Fabiolla Loureiro, based in São Paulo, Brazil, has been a photographer since 2010, initially focusing on fashion and nude photography. In recent years, her love for travel photography grew, allowing her to explore over 30 countries. Her minimalist use of Photoshop emphasizes natural light, rain, silhouettes, high contrasts, and cold nights in her street photography. Inspired by renowned photographers such as Brassaï and Robert Capa, she captures urban chaos and historical periods through her lens.
Fabiolla is a permanent artist at Andreus Gallery in São Paulo and participates in an architectural design project with Casa Portoro, showcasing over 40 photos. Her work has been exhibited in cities like London, Bologna, Madrid, and Paris. In January 2018, she joined the Contemporary Art Curator magazine and Art Productions New York, connecting with artists worldwide.
Last year, Fabiolla began sharing her travel experiences and perspectives on photography through her blog. With minimal formal training, she excels as a self-taught artist, receiving the Excellence Award from the Circle Foundation for the Arts in Lyon in January 2019. She continues to contribute articles filled with stunning images of various destinations, including Paris, Budapest, and Bologna.
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