In between space, dreams, and fantasy by Albertina Norman
I am a visual artist specializing in self-portraiture, using photography to explore identity, nostalgia, and transformation. Born in Chile and raised in Orange County, I grew up navigating two cultures and the unique experience of being an identical twin. This sense of duality—both physical and psychological—has shaped my work, often manifesting in themes of mirroring, memory, and self- exploration.
With a background in studio art and a concentration in photography from Cal State Long Beach, I take an interdisciplinary approach to image-making. I construct every aspect of my work by hand, incorporating fiber arts, sculpture, painting, sewing, and thrifting to create immersive scenes.
Working on a budget fuels my creativity—I transform found materials, reassemble discarded objects, and elevate dollar-store items into something that feels surreal and cinematic. Nearly everything in my images is captured in-camera, with minimal post-production, preserving the authenticity of the moment.
For me, self-portraiture is a form of storytelling and role-playing, a way to step into different identities while reflecting on the past. Nostalgia plays a key role in my work, drawing from the art masters as well as movies, music, books, and cartoons that shaped my childhood and teenage years. Occasionally, my twin sister or close friends join me in my images, adding layers of connection and shared memory.
Through my work, I invite viewers to embrace nostalgia and step into a world where reality and fantasy blur—a moment frozen in time, yet slightly out of step with it.
