Bio
Elisa Benedetti, born in Caracas, Venezuela, discovered her passion for photography through her father’s hobby. She spent her childhood weekends assisting him in the darkroom, sparking a lifelong interest in the medium.
Surrounded by photographic books, Elisa pursued formal training to refine her skills from analog to digital photography. Following her father’s passing in 2018, Benedetti moved to Miami, transitioning photography from a cherished hobby to a professional career. She has since exhibited at The Palm Beach Art Basel and the FUNDANA Art Show in Miami.
Elisa’s work spans various genres, with a primary focus on street and documentary photography, capturing the extraordinary in everyday life.
Listen to Elisa Benedetti’s Interview
Artist Statement
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, I relocated to Miami in 2018, marking the beginning of my serious pursuit of photography. Initially captivated by the stunning sunrises and sunsets of Florida, my artistic focus shifted after attending a documentary photography workshop in 2019. This transformative experience ignited my passion for documentary photography, leading me to explore the gentrification impacting significant African American neighborhoods in South Florida. My journey began in Coconut Grove, where I dedicated over two years to the project, and then continued in Overtown, which became the centerpiece of my Master’s project showcased at the 2023 Photo España Festival in Spain.
Currently, I am documenting Liberty City, a neighborhood that significantly impacted Miami after the infamous case of Arthur McDuffie’s brutal assassination. Previously, I held an exhibition featuring an intimate look at a bus that has been a staple of my hometown’s streets since 1960. This four-year documentary project culminated in my first book. My commitment to documentary photography drives me to capture the transformation and narratives of diverse communities. I immerse myself in the streets, connecting with individuals empathetically, which allows me to share their stories intimately and authentically.