Carlos Rivera: A Journey in Photography and Art.
The Art of Obsession
My photography is both a blessing and a curse—a relentless pursuit of perfection. I see the world through an obsessive lens, where patterns must align, lines must be straight, and symmetry must be absolute. My work reflects a deep compulsion to impose order on life’s inherent chaos, blending the repetition of architecture with the desire to make imperfect life perfect. Every frame I capture is the result of this obsession, waiting for the perfect moment in time or reframing in space until it feels right. It’s not just art—it’s an unending quest, a need to hold onto fleeting moments that feel like they belong to another world.
In my photography, I often gravitate to black and white. Its simplicity is timeless, elegant, and honest. Black and white removes distractions, sharpening the contrasts of life and making the ugly uglier and the beautiful even more striking. It’s raw and direct—what you see is what it is, free from the noise of color. When I do use color, it’s with intention: to amplify meaning and emotion. Used sparingly, color becomes a powerful tool, unavoidable and unforgettable.
My photographs are, in many ways, scenes I’m jealous of—moments of perfection I cannot create but can only hope to witness. It’s as if I’m trying to kidnap these moments, to make them mine. This obsession with perfection drives my creativity, but it also frustrates me, as I know I can’t control when or how those moments will appear. Still, I keep searching, camera in hand, for the holy grail of my vision: timeless, perfect scenes that transcend the ordinary.
About Me
Originally from Mexico City, I’ve also lived in Madrid, Spain, and Playa del Carmen, Mexico, before making my home in Chicago. These experiences have shaped my understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives, enriching my artistic approach. My journey in photography began over 15 years ago. My background in Architecture and Marketing initially guided me toward commercial work, documenting over 1,300 locations across six countries. Yet, over time, I found myself drawn to the deeper, more personal side of photography. While I avoid putting myself in a box, street photography has become my main style—a way to capture the raw, unscripted emotions of everyday life while pursuing my vision of perfection.
In 2022, I participated in the “Camino a Babel” exhibition in Mexico City, an event inspired by the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, marking a significant step in my artistic journey. Since then, my work has been featured in local cafes and small galleries in Chicago. These intimate spaces align with my ethos, as my goal is to put my art into the right hands—connecting directly with people through local cafes and artisan markets.
Inspired by legendary photographers such as Fan Ho, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alan Schaller, Elliott Erwitt, and Philip Penman, I strive to blend classic compositional techniques with contemporary storytelling. Their mastery of capturing fleeting moments resonates deeply with me and informs my own search for perfection through the lens.
My art is a reflection of my philosophy: photography should live beyond the screen. It’s meant to be touched, felt, and held—a physical manifestation of emotion and connection. Through my prints, I aim to offer more than an image. I want to share a piece of my obsession, my search, and my perspective, inviting others to experience photography that is truly "100% Human Made."