ABOUT
The Feel PODEROSA project is an artistic initiative and experience created by fine artist Chiara Mecozzi focused on using photography and painting and the integration of mental health as tools to inspire and empower women of all cultures, social classes, and ages to love and feel empowered in their bodies, accept who they are physically and emotionally, embrace vulnerability, live with self-love and compassion, and celebrate their individuality.
CHIARA MECOZZI
is an Argentine-American fine artist who specializes in collages, mixed media paintings, and photography.
My art is distinguished by its expression of the female body as a channel for empowerment, liberation, and personal transformation. My inspiration comes from my own experiences and those of the women I photograph, exploring the difficulties women face with shame, limiting personal beliefs, and the pressures of contemporary society, especially around body image, self-worth, and personal identity.
In my paintings, I often portray nude women intertwined with elements of nature, symbolizing the idea that women are creators, nurturers, and forces of growth and transformation. By blending these forms, I remind women of their inherent power, beauty, and creativity, encouraging them to embrace their true essence and their role as vital, creative forces in the world.
The intention behind my work is to use my photography and paintings as transformational tools to inspire women to reprogram their internal dialogue, view, and belief of themselves, changing the way they show up in the world, and thus creating a shift in the collective consciousness.
Through my photographic juxtapositions—mostly overlays of women on found objects and spaces—I create personal narratives that represent different subjects in my life, including identity of the self and the celebration of women and the body. I build intricate storylines that the viewer must piece together, with the underlying statement being, "we are much more than the external world."
I live and work in Brooklyn, New York.
“In a world filled with constant distractions and external noise, I seek to capture the viewer's attention and inspire introspection. Through my work, I aim to foster a deep connection between the viewer and their inner self, igniting a sense of empowerment and heightened awareness of their body. I believe in the power of vulnerability and reconnection to the body as a means of discovering and tapping into one's inner strength.” -Chiara Mecozzi
My Story
This fragile foundation was further shaken when, at the age of 18, I found myself in a sexually abusive relationship. The trauma from that experience left deep scars—ones that I carried for over two decades. I internalized shame, guilt, and a profound sense of unworthiness. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was at war with myself, perpetually silencing my voice and ignoring my needs in an attempt to feel “enough.”
Years later, I married someone who, in many ways, mirrored my unresolved struggles. Our relationship was deeply unhealthy—marked by cycles of emotional distance, misunderstandings, and unmet needs. Neither of us had the tools to navigate our own wounds, let alone support each other in a healthy way. I often felt invisible, trapped in patterns of overcompensating and trying to prove my worth, while simultaneously losing myself in the process. The toxicity wasn’t one-sided; we both contributed to a dynamic that ultimately drained us.
When my marriage ended, it was a painful wake-up call. Stripped of the life I thought I was building, I was forced to confront the reality of my unhappiness—not just in my marriage, but within myself. I could no longer ignore the pain I had buried for so long. That moment became a turning point—a chance to choose between continuing to live in shame and fear or reclaiming my life and my voice.
I chose the latter.
Disentangling: My Artistic Journey to Self-Worth
My name is Chiara Mecozzi, and I am an artist—a photographer, collagist, and mixed-media painter. My work is rooted in empowerment, liberation, and self-worth, particularly for women. But the path that led me here wasn’t linear, nor was it easy. It was forged in the fire of my own struggles, pain, and ultimately, transformation.
For much of my life, I lived disconnected from my body and my sense of self. Growing up immersed in Latina culture, I was surrounded by the deeply ingrained values of machismo and societal expectations that often placed a woman's worth in how she appeared or served others. From an early age, I was taught—implicitly and explicitly—to prioritize what others thought of me above my own feelings or needs. This mindset shaped every aspect of my life, from how I dressed to how I behaved. I sought external validation, trying to mold myself into what I thought others wanted. I wanted to be seen as the "good girl," the perfect woman who could meet every expectation.
This relentless pursuit of approval, paired with the cultural pressure to please and conform, chipped away at my sense of individuality. I felt I had to be restrained, accommodating, and self-sacrificing to fit into the roles expected of me. Over time, I lost touch with my own desires and needs, believing my worth was entirely tied to how others perceived me. I lived in a constant state of unease, masking my true self to avoid rejection or judgment. This disconnection from my body and spirit left me feeling empty, unsure of who I truly was, and unable to stand confidently in my own skin.
This decision marked the beginning of an intense journey inward. I immersed myself in learning, therapy, and self-exploration. I read books on trauma, abuse, self-awareness, attended workshops, and confronted the narratives that had kept me bound for so long. But despite this progress, I still struggled to connect with my body. I realized that my sense of self-worth was inextricably tied to how I saw and felt about my body, which had long been a source of shame and discomfort.
One day, as I stepped out of the shower, I caught myself criticizing my reflection in the mirror. I felt an overwhelming urge to change the way I saw myself. Instead of hiding, I decided to face my body directly, through the lens of my camera. This act of photographing myself, raw and unfiltered, was terrifying at first. But as I looked at the photographs, something unexpected happened: I began to see myself differently. The shame and judgment I had carried for so long began to give way to compassion and curiosity.
With these photographs, I began creating collages intertwined with macro photographs of flowers—images I had taken that felt deeply personal and alive. These flowers, with their intricate details and forms, often resembled parts of the human body, blurring the lines between the organic world and my own physicality. This process felt intimate and healing, as if I were piecing together fragments of myself and uncovering beauty in places I had once ignored or rejected.
Painting those photographs was the next step in my journey. Recreating my image on canvas allowed me to confront my body in a new and transformative way. The act of painting became a dialogue with myself—a way to process my pain, celebrate my resilience, and reclaim my power. When I saw the first painting of my naked body, I felt something I had never felt before: a profound sense of love and liberation. For the first time, I saw my body not as a source of shame, but as a vessel of strength and beauty.
This transformative experience sparked a desire to take it a step further and share what I had discovered with others. In 2020, I was invited to exhibit my work at the Argentine Consulate of New York. Thirteen paintings of my naked body were displayed, telling my story of pain, healing, and empowerment. Sharing this deeply personal work and my story was both terrifying and exhilarating, but it also opened the door for connection and understanding the purpose behind my work. Women approached me after the exhibition, sharing their own struggles with body image and self-worth. Many asked if I could photograph them, hoping to experience the same sense of liberation I had found.
This marked the beginning of my work with women. Over the past three years, I have photographed women from diverse backgrounds, ages, and in multiple cities, creating a safe space for them to confront their vulnerabilities and rediscover their strength. Each session is a collaboration—a journey of exploration and self-acceptance. Through my photographs and mixed-media paintings, I aim to celebrate the uniqueness of each woman, highlighting her story, her struggles, and her triumphs.
My work extends beyond individual transformation. I envision a global artistic movement—one that challenges societal constructs and self-limiting beliefs, empowering women to embrace their bodies and their stories unapologetically. Through exhibitions, workshops, and community events, I aim to spark conversations about body image, self-worth, and the pressures women face in a world that often tells us we are not enough.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been witnessing the ripple effect of empowerment. When a woman reclaims her voice and her sense of self-worth, it doesn’t just change her life—it impacts everyone around her. She becomes a catalyst for change, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.
Today, my work is a celebration of resilience, transformation, and the power of vulnerability. It is a reminder that we are more than the labels and limitations society places upon us. We are creators, storytellers, and forces of change. My art is not just a reflection of my story—it is an invitation for others to rewrite their own by reclaiming their self-worth.
Looking back, I see that every painful experience, every moment of doubt, and every step on this journey has brought me to where I am today. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to believe in their own capacity for transformation. Because no matter where we start, we all have the power to break free and reclaim our power.