Victoria Ruiz, a photographer and multidisciplinary artist, shares her deep connection to costume and its cultural significance in her work. Growing up in Venezuela, Ruiz was immersed in the world of carnival, where costume was not just a form of expression but a way to convey history, resistance, joy, and grief. For Ruiz, costume tells a story and is a powerful tool for communicating emotions and experiences.
In her striking images, Ruiz explores themes of nature, dance, spirituality, and African diasporic religion. Drawing inspiration from belief systems like Santería-Ifá, Candomblé, Umbanda, and Espiritismo, she delves into the complexities of these faiths and their cultural impact. These religions blend African spiritual traditions with Indigenous and colonial influences, creating a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices.
Based in London, Ruiz reflects on her childhood in Caracas, where she witnessed a mix of ancestral traditions and political unrest. She recalls how uniforms and costumes held symbolic power during moments of violence and protest, creating a sense of fear, power, or solidarity. This contrast between folklore and political turmoil shaped Ruiz’s understanding of costume as a form of expression and resistance.
One of Ruiz’s series, “Para Tú Altar: Las Fuerzas Divinas de la Naturaleza,” pays homage to Cuban salsa artist Celia Cruz, who incorporated Santería music into her work. This series explores the connection between nature and spirituality, drawing on the symbolism of flowers and their significance in honoring divinity.
Music and performance play a central role in Ruiz’s work, influenced by her background in ballet, flamenco, and contemporary dance. Collaborating with dancers has allowed Ruiz to bring her costumes to life, infusing them with movement and intention to create immersive storytelling experiences.
Using a variety of fabrics and materials, Ruiz crafts elaborate costumes that serve as visual offerings and spiritual invocations. Each costume is a portal to the divine, reflecting the unseen forces that have shaped and protected her throughout her life. Through her work, Ruiz expresses gratitude and reverence for these powers that have guided her on her journey.
Currently, Ruiz is working on a series of protective masks inspired by the handmade masks she saw during protests in Caracas. These masks symbolize creativity in the face of danger, highlighting the resilience and survival instincts of those who resist through art and craft.
To see more of Victoria Ruiz’s work, visit her website and Instagram. Her evocative images and immersive storytelling offer a glimpse into a world where costume becomes a powerful tool for expression, resistance, and spiritual connection.
