In a stunning new photobook, La Isla, Argentinian photographer Matu Buiatti invites us into a profound exploration of intimacy, trust, and the human body, framed through the lens of analogue photography. This 18-month project transcends mere image-making; it is a beautifully crafted dialogue about human connection, where the photograph emerges not as a starting point but as the culmination of shared experiences.
Buiatti embarked on this journey by engaging with individuals he had never met before, establishing a unique rapport with each participant. The encounters varied dramatically in their unfolding; some blossomed instantaneously, while others matured over months of heartfelt conversations. Within this framework, emotional availability emerged as the sole non-negotiable element, allowing nudity to become a fluid and contingent expression, always consensual, never obligatory.
matubuiatti.com / @matubuiatti
This debut book by Argentinian photographer Matu Buiatti is more than a collection of nudes, it is a visual diary of trust and transformation. Over a year and a half, strangers became collaborators as conversation and curiosity dismantled fear and opened space for vulnerability, all captured on unretouched analog film. Ultimately, these portraits reveal nudity not as exposure but as a powerful act of becoming.
What makes La Isla particularly thought-provoking is its challenge to the traditional dynamics of visibility and participation. The inclusion of individuals who chose not to undress disrupts societal norms around representation, affirming that the essence of the project lies in the relational experience rather than the superficiality of complete images. This artistic intention is deeply resonant in a culture obsessed with perfection and visibility.
Buiatti’s commitment to analogue photography, eschewing digital manipulation, is not simply a nostalgic return to the past; it is a conceptual assertion that embraces delay and acceptance of flaws. Film photography, with its inherent unpredictability and tactile nature, stands in stark contrast to the relentless speed of contemporary image production, allowing the viewer to experience the rawness of lived moments. Through each frame, time, waiting, and imperfection coalesce, creating a visceral connection to the human experience.
Each photograph in La Isla functions as a tangible trace, a testament to the profound moments shared between Buiatti and his subjects, rather than a mere crafted image. The book, presented in a beautifully bound hardcover format, features 124 pages of rich, textured 170 g art paper, giving each photograph the attention it deserves. Printed by Miltintas, this first edition strikes a balance between visual mastery and the tactile pleasure of flipping through its pages.
Set against the backdrop of the Paraná Delta in Buenos Aires and the lush landscapes of Villa General Belgrano in Córdoba, La Isla pays homage to the intertwining themes of body, intimacy, nature, and communication. With both English and Spanish text, it reaches out to a diverse audience, resonating with universal themes of human connection.
Matu Buiatti’s journey as an artist is equally captivating. At the young age of 22, he founded the Instituto Argentino de Diseño (IAD), nurturing a generation of creatives in fashion and art until its closure post-pandemic. Alongside this educational endeavour, he has built an extensive portfolio in visual arts, carving a niche in screen printing and leading workshops throughout Argentina. With roots in mobile photography, Buiatti’s return to analogue methods signifies a deep exploration into the nuances of intimacy, communication, and the relationship between the human body and landscape.
La Isla stands as both a meditative reflection on intimacy and an artistic triumph, inviting viewers to reconsider their perceptions of connection and self-representation in an ever-accelerating visual culture. Through Buiatti’s lens, we are reminded that the beauty of human interaction lies not just in what is seen, but in what is felt.
The models are @augustososa__ @maxdiazez @valen_garbi @_.joacotss._ @dossantos._sebastian @digons__ @tiagoo.alvarez @valendomecqq @sun_vlad_shine @laustelzer @cizko.88
