Words by Roberto Broce, via MisfitLens Creative Agency
Jaw & Spine by Erick Seca
Step into Barcelona’s spunky world of artistry and self-expression, and you'll encounter the unmistakable presence of Yazmina Gasolina. Exploring her domain feels like wandering through a gallery of identity, where each melody and each twerk narrates tales of courage, strength, and unwavering genuineness. Amidst the eclectic energy of the local music and queer community, Yazmina's artistic charisma lights a path of self-discovery and resilience, inviting all to embrace the beauty of authenticity.
Discovering Yazmina: A Journey Through Artistic Identity
Yazmina's art is no mere spectacle; it is a living chronicle, an unfiltered expression of raw emotion and lived experiences. "Everything is like a diary, a direct response to an emotion" she shares, her words echoing the resonance of her soul “Art has always been a means to be able to understand and communicate with my environment and what I experience” . Born amidst her family’s context of civil unrest and revolution, Yazmina's art bears the indelible imprint of her ethnic background. It's a poignant exploration of what it means to be "other" in a post-colonial world.
In the lush landscapes of her compositions, Yazmina tackles the tender topics that echo societal struggles, taking them beyond the mundane and ordinary. Through her art, she transforms the weight of her heritage into a dance of liberation, pushing toward a movement of change. As she gracefully navigates her world, she invites us to question, feel, and find solace in the shared complexity of our human experience.
"I have a connection to a country where women's rights have been taken away, even though it was once considered one of the leading progressive nations for them. All that surrounds and complicates this subject is present in much of my work. I have songs designed for the club or for sexual liberation, yet they are created with the same underlying purpose: to contribute to a movement for change."
Navigating Identity and Expression Along the Path of Yazmina's Art
“Life, in my view, is an ongoing performance, isn't it? Do we ever truly possess all the answers, all the correctness, and all the security?”
Yazmina's journey unfolds like a mesmerizing dance, each step a deliberate exploration of self-discovery. From the revered halls of performing arts schools to the mysterious galleries of conceptual art, she found solace in creativity, recognizing life as an ongoing performance, fraught with uncertainties and the quest for authenticity.
In the wake of a world reshaped by the aftermath of Covid-19, music emerged as Yazmina's chosen medium. "Dirty Diary," an anthem born from the memories of her father reading her diary as a teenager amidst the salty winds on the beach, marked the beginning of her musical journey. Through pulsating beats and poignant lyrics, she delves into the complexities of being a second-generation child, transforming personal anecdotes into universal melodies.
Yazmina's art, now a fusion of performance and music, acts as a reflective mirror, amplifying the emotional narratives of identity, racism, and societal challenges. Her work navigates the intricate landscape of being a second-generation child, grappling with the expectation of gratitude towards Europe while facing the harsh reality of racism. She confronts the legacy of European colonization and its impact on her ancestral homeland and family, while also shedding light on the current struggles faced by its people. Through her art, Yazmina encourages dialogue on tender topics, offering a language that resonates with the subconscious and empowers individuals to claim authorship over their ideas, rather than relying on mainstream media or politicized narratives.
Feeling the Heartbeat of Catalonia's Artistic Community
"Nowhere is perfect, and while there are many things we'll be fighting to change, Catalonia itself has an understanding of oppression ingrained in its culture."
Catalonia emerges as the canvas upon which Yazmina's artistic journey unfolds. Its enigmatic charm and rich cultural tapestry provide the backdrop for her creative community, where tightly knit pockets of creativity thrive in a modern familial embrace of shared values and collaboration. "My friends, my community are everything," she emphasizes, acknowledging their profound influence on her creative process and rejecting the isolation of 21st-century individualism.
In the mosaic of Catalonia's diversity, Yazmina discovers boundless inspiration. Collaborating with fellow artists, each exchange of ideas and every resonant chord becomes a testament to resilience. The vibrant intersection of voices and shared experiences infuses her work with vitality, weaving an intricate network of creativity that animates her art.
Yazmina celebrates Barcelona as a city that embodies the essence of community—a place where the hustle and bustle of urban life coalesce with the intimacy of close-knit neighborhoods. Despite imperfections, Catalunya's cultural fabric embraces an inherent understanding of oppression, enriched by the vibrant presence of Latin American immigrants and its status as the queer capital of Europe. In this dynamic environment, Yazmina finds both inspiration and a platform to amplify voices that resonate with the world.
Crafting Melodies from Emotion: Yazmina's Creative Process
“A situation or emotion will occur, and I'll want to write about it, sing about it, dance about it, and pretty quickly, I'll have a main hook.”
Yazmina's creative journey is a dynamic fusion of emotion and expression, fueled by a desire to translate life's experiences into music, poetry, and dance. "A situation or emotion will occur, and I'll want to write about it, sing about it, dance about it," she shares, illuminating her process. In moments of inspiration, she swiftly crafts hooks or entire poems, driven by the raw energy of the moment.
Initially, Yazmina collaborated with producers, fine-tuning beats to complement her vision. However, as her journey progressed, she began seeking out producers with diverse ethnic backgrounds, aligning with her purpose for making music. Each song births a performance, leading to events that demand visual storytelling through videos. This organic evolution reflects Yazmina's commitment to authenticity and purpose in her artistic endeavors.
Embracing the Vibrancy of the Local Music Scene
For Yazmina, the local music scene offers more than just performance opportunities—it's a space of learning and growth. "I get to learn through so many talented people," she enthuses. Immersed in underground yet impactful events advocating for change, she finds validation and support, fostering belief in the importance of her voice and subjects. Through collaboration and exchange, the local scene becomes a catalyst for self-discovery and empowerment.
Teasing Future Collaborations and Projects
Excitement brews as Yazmina hints at upcoming projects and collaborations. This year, she prepares to unveil a mix of previously written songs and fresh compositions, each carrying its own narrative and purpose. Some delve into controversial subjects like navigating a lesbian relationship within the framework of a Muslim identity, while others are crafted purely for the dance floor. Teaming up with both established and emerging artists, Yazmina explores a spectrum of genres, from introspective ballads to pulsating dance tunes destined for venues like Apolo. With each release, her music evolves, intensifying in its ability to captivate audiences and spark meaningful conversations.
“This year, I’m ready to release music, so I have some I wrote before that I think deserve to be a part of the public journey, and fresh songs with controversial subject matters of a lesbian relationship while being Muslim, and others that are made to purely dance and sweat to.”
Witnessing the Flight of Yazmina's Vision
Yazmina's creative process is an alchemy of emotion, performance, and art, a seamless fusion that births powerful compositions. Teasing upcoming projects, she offers a glimpse into her evolving sound—a dance of controversial subjects and beats that beckon the listener to sweat and sway. Yazmina's music, like a living organism, intensifies, promising a visceral experience that transcends boundaries.
As we conclude this chapter of discovery, Yazmina's vision for the future remains bold and unwavering. "For sure, I'll keep pushing boundaries," she declares, her words a clarion call for authenticity and exploration “making things that address subjects I feel need to be shared, questioned, thought about and given space & I’ll continue to be bold about it because that’s just who I am”. Her commitment to addressing subjects that demand attention is palpable, a promise that the evolution of her artistry will be a dance with the uncharted.
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