Photomanipulation nominee

"Discovering myself will be an inner journey that spans several cycles of my life because blooming is not a destination, but rather a path."

"Cycles" comprises a series of self-portraits that allude to the four stages of human life through floral cycles as a visual metaphor.

Through a symbolic garden, the series illustrates how the circular shapes of flowers mirror the cyclical movements of life. Each life stage is depicted through a photograph, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journey of personal growth and blooming.

The series serves as a testament to the beauty and transience of life, as well as the patient growth process that leads to blooming. By delving into themes such as identity, consciousness, and femininity, it challenges viewers to introspect and discover their own purpose, their own peak of cycles, and their own inner resilience that propels them to comprehend their existence.

Diana Rubi is a Cuban-American fine art photographer and visual artist based in the United States. Her work explores themes of fragility, resilience, and human emotion—deeply influenced by a pivotal moment in her life when her mother’s illness reshaped her understanding of strength and vulnerability.

Graduating in 2011 from the Cuban Academy of Fine Arts San Alejandro, Diana specializes in surreal self-portraiture, using intricate photomanipulation, handcrafted props, and hand-drawn elements to transform personal narratives into universal reflections.

Her photographs have been recognized in international competitions, including the Fine Art Photography Awards (FAPA), Muse Photography Awards, ND Awards, International Photography Awards (IPA), Moscow International Foto Awards (MIFA), Tokyo International Foto Awards (TIFA), and Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3). Her work has also been exhibited internationally, including at the Diocesan Museum in Andria, Italy.