Monica Fishbein Lecture Beyond Fashion

It was good to hear one of our own lecturers discussing her background, her experience and her work as an artist. Monica is something of a mystery.  She always dresses in black (almost always), she advocates self discipline, and has a strong work ethic. She is a good lecturer, always willing to guide and facilitate our learning, and I was interested to hear more about her.

This was the first time I had seen any indication of nerves from Monica, she is usually confident and very little seems to phase her.  Her nerves were an endearing trait as they made her seem more vulnerable. When I spoke to her today, she explained that the close proximity of her audience was unnerving and that it was her need for space that caused her to feel uncomfortable.

Monica is Hungarian.She said that during her teens she watched MTV and was obsessed with "New Romantic" music. She mentioned that at school she learned sports in preparation for the Olympics indicating where her disciplined attitude stems from. She did some modelling in Italy and Budapest and worked as a Make-Up Artists in London for Lancome and Inglot. Her work experience in the world of fashion is extensive and includes assisting the photographer Peter Richwcisz.

Later moving to Devon, she decided to enrol at Plymouth Art College to study Film and Photography. From here she has continued to develop her own practice alongside her teaching role at the college. She labels herself a Minimalist and Constructivist. She showed her personal and professional work which was in stark contrast to each other. The professional sharp and clean, her personal work shot out of focus, creating a more atmospheric and darker mood.

A quote by Manuel Alvarez has remained with her, it is "There is Time," She explained that this quote made her realise that her fast pace of life was not always necessary and that there is time to slow down.

I have looked at Monica's website and she has some beautiful images, both the portraits and other images are a haunting reflection of her creativity.

www.monicafischbein.com