Graduated from Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Communication with a post graduate diploma in Fashion Buying and Merchandising from the Istituto Marangoni, Iara Matos is the creative behind the instagram account @hypnosaurora where she shares her photography. I spoke to Iara about what inspires her, her olfactory memories, rituals, music…
TELL ME ABOUT YOU
It all started with my need to redirect the focus on me and my mind into something else. Suddenly I realised that whilst I was taking pictures I could shift my focus solely to what I searched with my lense. Hypnos (from the greek mitotology, God of sleep), Aurora (from the latin, dawn), I chose this name because it made sense to join both concepts, the fluttering between dream and reality.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST SOURCES OF INSPIRATION UN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?
When I created this page I started following other photographers (with varied styles), videographers, artists, musicians. Artists from around the world, from other realities. These artists really inspire me - I have met so many interesting people and forms of expression. Sometimes this inspiration comes in the most unusual ways.
For example, it’s well known to those close to me that I don’t deal well with the sight of blood. Recently I randomly came across a piece of art made out of the artist’s microscopic poisoned blood images and it was one of the most beautiful things I have seen in recent times, only after reading the description did I realise what the artist had used for her work. The most fascinating was discovering that the artist herself has a blood fobia and this was her vehicle to express her fear. I look for the beautiful, the new or the out of the ordinary meaningful things that surround us. I put on my headphones, play one of my playlists (to match my mood that day) and I walk until I see something that grabs me.
WHAT EMOTIONS DO YOU LIKE TO INVITE IN THE PEOPLE THAT KNOW YOUR WORK?
I want them to allow themselves all the emotions, if I bring any out, whatever that may be it will make me very happy. I would like to provoke in them the need to look one more time, once more and again. Observe, question… that’s what I would like.
FAVORITE RITUALS TO SWITCH OFF AND RELAX?
Taking pictures is implicit but I also love editing. I love giving a photograph a new perspective. I also really enjoy a scenic walk or lighting a few candles for a nice bubble bath or even a quick shower. All always accompanied by music, it’s essential for me.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING TO LATELY?
Maro and Harry Styles. I don’t know one song I don’t like from either of them. They are brilliant. I also love Techno for a boost of energy.
BEST MEMORY BROUGHT OUT BY A PERFUME/AROMA?
Sandalwood…It reminds me of the days I would spend as a child in two of my friend’s houses. It reminds me of how much fun and laughter we shared. Also some people’s perfumes transport me right back to them.
FAVORITE LILY BROWN SCENT?
Secret Hamman, I love how it lingers.
Secret Hammam Candle, LILY BROWN