Elena

“I would love not to be seen as a rare thing in this world”

“What led me to the decision to share my story is that nobody should feel as lonely as I felt in my past.”

Elena lives in Madrid and loves her life. As a creative and artistic person, she can regularly be found singing in a local Madrid bar. Elena lives with Lipodystrophy and for the first half of her life, she had never met anyone else with her condition until she turned 23, when she also found out how to manage her condition. Now Elena spends her days teaching those who are unable to attend school in person for any health reason, to ensure they do not miss out on the opportunity to learn.

DIRECTOR

Gianpaolo Bigoli

PHOTOGRAPHER

Marco Gualazzini

DISEASE

Lipodystrophy

From the Director’s Perspective

The first time I met Elena, I immediately sensed her complexity: a unique blend of strength and fragility. I tried to portray her as a woman capable of embracing such complexities, not only confronting them, but making them part of her personal story. Elena reminded me, once again, that there is no contradiction between these two terms, because it is precisely within fragility that a powerful, quiet strength resides.

Notes by

Gianpaolo Bigoli

Behind the Photographer’s Lens

I know I should have spoken of strength, of resilience. Instead, I carry with me an image: Madrid, the light framing Elena’s hair, the notes, hesitant at first, gradually becoming music just before our return flight. Sometimes you don’t need a photo, just the memory—because strength lies in keeping those simple moments that shine, like a song that comes back and reminds us that we are alive.

Notes by

Marco Gualazzini