Caracas-born Marlene Santaella, an accomplished dentist and celebrated photographer, continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of visual arts. With a nearly decade-long career, her work has garnered numerous awards and accolades, solidifying her position as a leading figure in contemporary photography.
Born in Caracas in 1968, Marlene Santaella initially pursued a career in dentistry, earning her degree and postgraduate qualifications from the prestigious Universidad Central de Venezuela. However, her passion for photography led her to the Roberto Mata School of Photography in 2014, where her creative journey began. This pivotal decision marked the start of an illustrious career in visual arts.
In 2015, Marlene received her first major recognition from National Geographic, winning the Daily Dozen Award for her captivating work “Serenity and Simplicity.” This accolade was a testament to her burgeoning talent and set the stage for further achievements. The following year, she participated in the 68th Arturo Michelena Biennale with her piece “Tres,” showcasing her ability to capture profound simplicity in her work.
2017 was a landmark year for Marlene as she secured 3rd Place in the “Baruta en Foco” contest with her dynamic piece “Acelerados.” Her excellence was further acknowledged when she was honored with the prestigious “Mara de Oro” award as the Professional Photographer of the Year. Additionally, her role as a still photographer for the short film “The Spirit was Gone,” shot in Miami, demonstrated her versatility and expanded her portfolio.
Marlene’sMarlene’s work continued to attract attention and acclaim. In 2018, she presented “Leftflowers” at the Miami Institute of Photography as part of the “Miami Life” exhibition. Her distinctive style and thematic depth resonated with audiences and critics alike. In 2019, her participation in the collective exhibition “Marginal” at the RMTF School of Photography and at the Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment with “Evanescent” further cemented her reputation as a powerful visual storyteller.
In 2020, Marlene’s piece “Veladuras del Silencio” won 1st Place at the inaugural Virtual Salon of IncubadoraVisual, showcasing her adaptability and innovation in the face of a global pandemic. Her ability to convey profound silence and introspection in her work has become a hallmark of her style.
Marlene’s influence extends beyond Venezuela and the United States. In 2021, she was part of the “ANTES-DURANTE-DESPUES” collective, which was shown at Spai30 in Barcelona, Spain. Her work continues to captivate international audiences, reflecting universal themes through a unique lens.
In 2023, Marlene participated in the collective exhibition “Art for All” in Wellington, Florida, and published her book ” La Historia en Espiral”. This high-quality photographic work invites readers to reflect deeply on life’s challenges, showcasing her ability to blend technical skill with profound emotional depth. Her contributions as a still photographer and behind-the-scenes filmmaker to the short films “Elegidas” and “The Pill” were also met with critical acclaim. “The Pill” won Best Short Film at the Film Freeway competition, Best Cinematography, and an Award of Excellence at Global Shorts.
In 2024, Marlene was invited to participate in the short film “Fronteras”, continuing her collaboration with the film industry. She also presented her latest work, “Piel”, at an event in Miami. This series explores the interface between nature and human skin, indicating a shift towards a more artistic and socially engaged photographic discourse. Marlene’s work continues to evolve, capturing and inspiring evocative images that profoundly impact the art world and social landscapes.
When asked about her collaborations with celebrities, Marlene emphasizes the importance of creativity and innovation in her work. “My strength lies in creating and merging with the original image. Creativity is essential to me,” she says. Although she has worked with a few celebrities, Marlene has had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned photographers such as Claudio Napolitano and Luis Cobelo and designers like Oscar Carvallo.
Marlene is committed to contributing to the U.S. photographic community by highlighting and celebrating the country’s cultural diversity through her work. “My goal is to create an inclusive platform that gives voice to different communities and cultures, promoting a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of the country’s cultural richness,” she explains. Marlene is actively working on establishing collaborations with other artists to create projects that amplify the impact of photography, aiming to build a stronger and more united photographic community in the United States.
Marlene Santaella’s journey from a distinguished dentist to a celebrated photographer is a testament to her unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. Her work inspires and educates, leaving a lasting legacy in photography. With numerous awards and recognitions, Marlene’s impact on the art world and beyond is undeniable. As she continues to evolve and innovate, her contributions to the photographic community promise to be profound and far-reaching.
Published by: Khy Talara
