Next Up: Gabriela Gabrielaa Shares Japanese Lucid Dreams in New SuperRare Release

A talented photographer, accomplished model, and staple of the AllShips community, Gabriela Gabrielaa has always been a storyteller.

The Colombian-American creator discovered photography at age 5 and has made a name for herself in New York City’s arts scene by wearing multiple hats, from leaning into portraiture, lifestyle, and street photography to producing events and curating exhibitions. She counts global brands like Red Bull, Honda, and Complex Music among her freelance clients and has published work in premier publications like Vogue, WWD, and iD-mag.

After being introduced to the web3 space in 2021, Gabrielaa has embraced the medium by releasing her own work onchain, largely showcasing the people and places that inspire her on her global travels. On Sept. 24, Gabrielaa will debut a curated release on SuperRare consisting of striking photographs she took on a recent trip to Japan.

“I like to spontaneously go to new places and explore for hours until I run into characters with unique stories to tell,” she explains.

Every week, nft now’s Next Up showcases a new artist from our curated list of ascendant talents who have been making significant waves throughout web3. This week, our spotlight turns to Gabriela Gabrielaa.

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nft now: How did you first become interested/involved in photography and digital art?

Gabriela Gabrielaa: I first became interested in photography at 5 years old. My mother was always taking films and videos of our family and friends. By the time I was 11, I had my own DSLR, and people were paying me to take their portraits and family memories. I studied under some amazing photographers. Got my BFA in photography and studied business and marketing. I have been a freelance photographer in NYC since 2016. I fell in love with portraiture and live music and was taking photos at live Red Bull events, then commercial work for agencies. Now a mix of music and movement have lead me to curating album covers for artists and when im not in studio I am traveling the world taking street portraits and selling them on chain. I first entered the digital art space in early 2021 because two of my friends, J.N. Silva and Dave Krugman, told our photography community all about blockchain and that it was time to add our artwork to the chain.

“I would describe my photography as lucid dreams. I love losing myself in a scene and making up a storyline along the way.”

GABRIELA GABRIELAA

How would you describe your work?

I would describe my photography as lucid dreams. I love losing myself in a scene and making up a storyline along the way. I love to highlight the mystery and nostalgia in my photography. I want people to feel excited by the photographs but also feel like they can feel, smell and hear whats going on.

What’s your process like? And where do you usually find inspiration?

I find my inspiration in many ways. I love going through photography books to find what could be my next project and elaborate on an idea more and in my own vision. I also like to spontaneously go to new places and explore for hours until I run into characters with unique stories to tell.

“My breakthrough moment in web3 was when I made connections with artists around the world to help their voices and art be seen and heard in a time when alpha wasn’t being shared beyond certain countries.”

GABRIELA GABRIELAA

What was your breakthrough moment in web3?

My breakthrough moment in web3 was when I made connections with artists around the world to help their voices and art be seen and heard in a time when alpha wasn’t being shared beyond certain countries. I made it my job to curate galleries that had representation of a wide cast of humans from all over the globe. I am excited to curate more galleries in the future and continue to see the art world with more inclusive art.

What are the biggest challenges facing rising photographers and artists in web3?

The biggest challenge photographers and artists face in web3 is navigating all the noise. At times in my career, I would listen to what others were offering on the market, but now I only listen to myself and do whatever feels right. It’s so empowering to make all my own decisions regarding my art.

“At times in my career, I would listen to what others were offering on the market, but now I only listen to myself and do whatever feels right.”

GABRIELA GABRIELAA

What advice do you have for rising photographers and artists in this space?

Advice for rising photographers and artists in the space would be to always push the boundaries of what the norm is. Your wildest ideas for a project are never too big. Be present, keep showcasing your work, and don’t be afraid to keep sharing your voice and your story.