When I first saw Anyelina Rosa’s work, I was immediately taken by her unique perspective and voice. As a self-taught photographer, she has a raw, intuitive approach to her work that is both incredibly powerful and incredibly vulnerable. She is unafraid to experiment and push boundaries, which is evident in her series “Rivages”.
This series was shot entirely on 35mm film and features Anyelina’s close friend Angok Mayen. The two met while Anyelina was living in Los Angeles and instantly bonded over their shared love of fashion, art, and music. They would spend hours talking about their dreams and aspirations, and “Rivages” is a direct result of those conversations.
The series is a fashion story, but it is so much more than that. It is a story about friendship, about sisterhood, about finding beauty in the everyday. It is a story about two young women who are chasing their dreams and doing it on their own terms.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Anyelina about “Rivages”, and I hope you enjoy her words as much as I do.
How did you come up with the concept for “Rivages”?
The idea for “Rivages” came about through my conversations with Angok. We would talk about our dreams and aspirations, and I realized that I wanted to create something that would capture her essence. She is such a free spirit, and I wanted to create a series that would showcase that.
How did you decide to shoot the series on 35mm film?
I decided to shoot the series on 35mm film because I wanted to create something that felt raw and honest. Film has a way of capturing light and emotion in a way that digital just can’t replicate, and I wanted “Rivages” to have that same feeling.
What was it like working with Angok?
Working with Angok was an absolute dream. She is so incredibly talented and beautiful, inside and out. She has this amazing energy that just lights up the room, and she was the perfect subject for this series. She completely trusted me and my vision, and I am so grateful for that.
What do you hope people take away from “Rivages”?
I hope people take away from “Rivages” that it is okay to be different. It is okay to be weird. It is okay to be yourself. There is no one else like you in this world, and that is your power. Embrace it.
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