Rafael Miralles (Alicante, 1964)

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With these projects, where the document and imagination meld, I want to show reality in a more complete way, highlighting the surreal, as well as the extraordinary aspect, which, out of habit, becomes trivial to our eyes.

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In my work process, there are three fundamental central concepts:

 

First, the starting point and foundation for all projects: documenting everyday life, highlighting its importance and beauty, but also its contradictions.

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Then, showing the parts of reality that seem like fiction: subjective objectivity.

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Lastly, melding reality and fiction: To achieve my purpose, I don't hesitate to retouch reality, to make it fit what I want to narrate. However, unlike a false documentary, my job is to make a documentary where, in same cases, a scene may be built, the performance included as well as other artistic practises, but not with the intent of simulating reality, yet rather to complete it.

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I'm seeking to turn the documentary into a sort of tale, where I try to reconcile the rational, as well as the strange part. This means that I can include references to film, art or fantastic literature, blended with everyday life, thereby creating a poetic effect.

 

The sense of humour makes my work more accessible, and also gives a positive tone to all my videos.

 

So as to not lose spontaneity, I work with Handycam, mobile phones and very basic edition. Otherwise, the result wouldn't be the same. This means that I obtain an aesthetic removed from marketing and the seduction we're used to. It's highly direct; it reminds me of pencil and paper or a good, simple photo camera to take notes or keep memories.

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Regarding how long it lasts, I personally support brevity. I prefer to synthesise and make short pieces, like a tale or a poem.

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The sound map, recorded in real time, and the use of samplers, allowed me to create the soundtrack. For me, sound is a fundamental part of the videos, both for the project's general atmosphere and its conceptual part.

 

Aware of the viewer's active role, I always seek to make an open work. Creating enough stimuli so that, based on their knowledge and experience, each individual can interpret it differently.