CATAYA PENA

BEHIND THE LENS

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Cataya was born in Mexico but raised in Los Angeles and although she currently resides in Miami, she has traveled the world with camera in tow shooting everything in sight throughout Europe, Asia, North Africa, South and North America.

 

She graduated from UCLA with a degree in Political Science. Shortly after graduation, she worked for Paramount Pictures where she started as an assistant set designer and later moved into the business side of the industry. She produced "Dialogo" a magazines style talk show for Telemundo KVEA-52 and earned an Emmy Nomination.

 

She worked on the business end of television for 20 years with networks like, MTV, Nickelodeon, Vh1, The History Channel, A&E, Sci-Fi, Canal Fox and Telemundo Spanish Television. Seeking to further develop her passion for photography in 2010 she started freelancing.

 

As a sensitive observer of cultures and traditions, Cataya travels the world creating dramatic portraits while giving the viewer a powerful insight into her subjects lives. Her photo series range from Boyle Heights in LA to remote locations in Laos and Cambodia: proof of an artist equally comfortable with the familiar as well as the exotic. her work is simple and contemporary but always with a touch of intensity.

 

Cataya has exhibited her work in LA, Las Vegas and Miami. She is presently working on the "Enpowered Latina" portrait project funded by the One foundation of Miami.