Meet Zaire Aranguren

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zaire Aranguren. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Zaire, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

In my 25-year journey as a photographer, I’ve often been the sole woman in male-dominated settings, particularly in commercial and art documentation sectors. Navigating American cultural landscapes as a foreigner presented unique challenges. Initially, I felt out of place and faced mistreatment. However, the most profound hurdle was confronting biases and striving for recognition—yearning to be seen as I perceive myself.

A pivotal moment in my career was realizing that, despite clients appreciating my work, they hesitated to hire me directly. This insight led me to shift from wedding photography to creating personal projects that resonated with my emotions, reminding me of my passion for photography: to express myself and enrich others’ lives.

Embracing my unique perspective fostered growth and resilience. In 2013, I rekindled my passion for photography as an art form, inspired by the expressiveness of dancers. Between 2013 and 2016, I collaborated extensively with dancers nationwide and internationally, leading to my first gallery exhibits and commercial projects. This journey motivated me to pursue a Master’s in Fine Arts at the School of Visual Arts in New York, allowing me to dedicate myself to my childhood dream of creating art.

Being the only one who looked like me opened doors to the arts and fashion sectors, leading to fashion editorials with magazines and collaborations with nationwide professional ballet companies. I acquired new skills from industry professionals like Lois Greenfield, deepening my photography knowledge and expanding my fashion styling abilities by engaging with designers editors and other stylist. Engaging and receiving mentorship with international artists such as Carrie Mae Weems and Lorna Simpson, and having my work reviewed by critics like Holland Cotter, co-chief art critic for the New York Times, were experiences beyond my wildest dreams.

I define success as a personal and evolving concept. During challenging times, I’ve viewed success as personal growth. Each challenge became an opportunity to evolve and surpass my perceived limits. This mindset led to significant achievements, including collaborations with ballet companies like Festival Ballet Providence and BalletMet in Ohio. I also embarked on a project with European dancers alongside my sister, designer Keyna Aranguren, showcasing her designs in iconic locations such as Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

One of my ongoing projects, “Humanity,” has taken me to Italy, Spain, and Greece. Since 2016, I’ve been developing a body of work that I aim to share with the public in 2025. Influenced by choreographer Pina Bausch, I strive to express individuals’ souls and raw emotions through their bodily experiences, connecting deeply with their expressions and my own emotions.

Reflecting on my journey, being the only woman and South American immigrant in the room has profoundly shaped my identity and approach to the unknown. I’ve learned to detach from identities tied to profession or societal expectations, recognizing their fluidity. This understanding has transformed life experiences into opportunities for self-discovery. I now approach challenges as gateways to deeper self-understanding and purpose.

I encourage everyone to remain open to life’s pathways. The journey we envision may not always align with what life presents. Embracing my boundless potential and aligning my desires with actions has been a significant lesson learned from being the only one in the room who looks like me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Right now, I’m expanding my photography business with an exciting new offering—a Styling service designed specifically for the hospitality industry, luxury real estate, and visual marketing professionals. With my expertise as a visual storyteller, I curate aesthetics that enhance and refine spaces, ensuring they align with high-end branding and marketing goals. This service, which I originally launched to support fellow photographers and producers, has evolved into a powerful tool for creating visually compelling environments. By crafting inviting, immersive and aesthetically cohesive spaces, I help hotels, restaurants, and luxury properties elevate their visual identity and market appeal.

At the same time, I’m reviving one of my most meaningful projects, Humanity, created in collaboration with professional dancers in Europe. The photographs, originally taken in 2016, have been resting intentionally—allowing me to return to them with a fresh perspective. Now, I’m ready to reengage with the work, refine its narrative, and share it with the public.

Beyond these projects, I am deeply immersed in my personal artistic practice, which is profoundly shaped by my collaboration with dancers. Through performance art, photography, video, and installation, I explore the emotional memory stored in our bodies—memories that define us as humans and shape our perception of reality. My work delves into the intersection of movement and memory, capturing the invisible yet deeply felt experiences that connect us all.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been instrumental in shaping my path: creativity, collaboration, and adaptability.
1. Creativity – Listening to Your Own Voice
Embracing my artistic vision has been a journey of trust—an unfolding of instinct, a quiet listening to the whispers within. Creativity isn’t just about generating ideas; it’s about trusting your instincts, listening to your inner voice, and allowing your unique perspective to emerge. My mantra is, “Abandon the idea, create with the intention.”
To nurture this, I seek ways to stretch the edges of perception—to see the unseen, feel the unspoken. Wander without a map, let the world reveal itself in unexpected ways. Explore different art disciplines, experiment with new techniques, attend workshops, and embrace meditation in its various forms. These practices deepen self-awareness and fuel originality, not by force, but by discovery.
2. Collaboration – The Power of Collective Creativity
Working alongside artistic directors, professional photographers, and dancers has enriched my practice and unlocked new opportunities. Creativity thrives in dialogue. For those early in their journey, I strongly recommend seeking partnerships, networking within your industry, and embracing collaborative projects. Surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and professional growth.
3. Adaptability – Thriving Through Change
The ability to pivot and adjust to new circumstances has been crucial, especially in a dynamic field like the arts. Success isn’t about avoiding obstacles—it’s about learning to navigate them. Staying open to feedback, embracing change, and cultivating a growth mindset can transform challenges into stepping stones. The more adaptable you become, the more opportunities you’ll be able to recognize and seize.

For those just starting out, developing these three qualities—creativity, collaboration, and adaptability—can make all the difference. They will not only shape your artistic voice but also help you thrive in an ever-evolving creative landscape.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The greatest gift my parents gave me—besides life itself—was the lesson to always strive to be the best version of myself. They taught me that success isn’t about pleasing or competing with others but about pushing beyond my own limits, growing, and evolving.

Equally important, they instilled in me a deep awareness of how my actions affect others. They reminded me that everything we do carries weight, shaping not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. This sense of responsibility and mindfulness has guided me in both my personal and professional journey, helping me create meaningful work that connects with others.

Their wisdom continues to inspire me every day, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rheocreative.com
• Instagram: @zairephoto, @rheocreative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/multimediastorytellerzairearanguren
• Other: Personal art practice: @zaireartlab
  Humanity Project: @DancingHumanity

Image Credits

All images : Photos By Zaire Aranguren
Behind the scene image of Zaire and ballerina: Photo by Antonio Azzurro
Portrait of Zaire: Photo by Jesus Aranguren
Images of Performance for video and Art Installation:
Perfomance for Video “Remember”, 2017 by Zaire Aranguren
Art Installation “Traces of the Sensible”, 2018 by Zaire Aranguren
Image of Life Style models:
Photo By Jeff Herron, Styling by Zaire and Keyna Aranguren