"I am interested in nuns, thieves, and gardens. In the rotting body, witchcraft, hotel receptions, and heaven's gates. Phantoms, funeral directors, and gravity."
- Lua Ribeira
Lua Ribeira’s practice is characterized by its collaborative nature, extensive research and an immersive approach to her subject matter. She is interested in using the photographic medium as a means for navigating the environment she lives in, and as a tool for self-expression.
Ribeira was born in 1986, in Galicia, northern Spain. She graduated in Graphic Design at BAU School of Design, Barcelona 2011, and earned with first-class honours a BA in Documentary Photography from the University of South Wales, Newport, U.K., in 2016. Since graduating, she has continued her academic engagement as an external lecturer at various universities, including the London College of Communication, University of the West of England and the University of South Wales.
In 2017, Ribeira received the Jerwood/Photoworks Award, which commissioned a body of work that was later shown at The Jerwood Space, London; Impressions Gallery, Bradford and Belfast Exposed Gallery, Northern Ireland. Currently, a selection of her work is being showcased across Europe—in Graz, Berlin, Zagreb, and Bratislava—as part of the group show Vigilance, struggle, pride. Through her eyes, curated by Marina Paulenka. She has participated in the 3rd Beijing International Photography Biennale 2018.
Ribeira’s work has been featured in publications including British Journal of Photography, Paper Journal, Refinery 21, Another, Tate Magazine, Raw View and selected commercial clients include Chanel, Carla Lopez handbags, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Wire Magazine.
She joined Magnum photos as a nominee in 2018.