Bellissima, Beauty contest, Cattolica 1995

18x24 on A4 paper

Photograph taken from the reportage “Bellissima” 1995. Copy: OPEN. Film scan print.

Isabella Balena, an independent photojournalist for many years, has worked with some of the leading Italian and foreign magazines. In recent years she has focussed on issues related to contemporary history and social dynamics. She believes that the essence of photography lies in managing to be the "voice and gaze" of a communities that would otherwise be invisible.

Her photographs feature both in public (Museum of Contemporary Photography, MAECI Art Collection, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and private collections (Donata Pizzi Collection and others).

Born in Rimini, she works in Milan and has two children.

isabalena.photoshelter.com