Panama Diaz: A Longtime Muse & The Utopia Project

Series of visuals I very much adore from the first collaboration with Panama, (London, 2017).

I first met Panama in London in 2013. A Spanish photographer now based in Málaga, she was introduced to me by a mutual friend, and we ended up at a bar in Bethnal Green. Time slipped away as we exchanged stories, dreams, and endless laughter (being with her always guarantees belly laughs).

Back then, we were both students—full of aspirations and unshaped futures. But even in those early moments, there was something about Panama that stuck with me—an energy, a vision. Over the years, we found ourselves at countless London shows, sometimes with more decorum than others (haha). One night, we sneaked into a performing arts show after the interval, queued for ice cream, and annoyed everyone as we noisily settled in our seats. Then, after the second interval, we grabbed wine, and I got lost wandering the wrong rows. These chaotic yet beautiful moments define what it's like to be with Panama—spontaneous, random, and always fun.

Captions from the session with Panama for “The Utopia Project” (Barcelona, deep August, 2024).

The Utopia Project: A Creative Full Circle

Our artistic collaboration grew organically. Our latest collaboration, The Utopia Project, felt like a poetic full circle. Panama visited me in Barcelona in the deepest heat of August, and we spent a full day creating images exploring the intimate backstage of kink lives—objects of desire like dildos and floggers placed out of context in domestic settings. It was a dive into desire, materiality, and the way everyday spaces shape our erotic landscapes. Despite the physical distance—her moving back to Málaga while I remained in London—this project reconnected us in a way that felt both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Leti: How did you feel about working on The Utopia Project?

Panama:

First, I just want to say—I deeply admire you. Watching you grow over the years while growing alongside you has been such a privilege.

I felt truly honored to be part of this project. Beyond that, it inspired me to keep exploring themes like the boundaries of intimacy. Also, being allowed to be naked at work. Absolutely loved it. I left the experience feeling inspired, in tune with my body, and deeply grateful.

Leti: Thank you, babe, that day was sooo special, thinking about it makes me emotional.What resonated most with you in the project’s themes?

Panama:

I’m fascinated by the tension between the domestic and the external world, and the bridges that connect these seemingly opposite spaces—both shaped by our bodies and desires.

Also, creating an archive of sex objects feels necessary. They deserve to be seen as elevated, and art space-worthy—creations designed to evoke pleasure and deepen our connection to others.

Leti: Was there a particular moment during the shoot that stood out?

Panama:

For me, the entire day was one continuous experience—just like our relationship 😊.

I love taking my time with projects and the people I collaborate with. Sharing a meal, having deep conversations, spending time naked in bed, laughing, taking pictures in between—that’s what makes the work part of something bigger. The images aren’t just isolated moments; they’re the result of an exploration we were doing together.

On Artistic Growth, Place, and Perspective

Leti: How has your artistry evolved since we met in 2013?

Panama:

That question makes me giggle, hahaha.

In 2013, I saw art as something external—something someone else could validate- something you could “attain” by following certain steps. Now, I see artistry as something internal. It’s not just a product to fit into a market—it’s something much deeper, something tied to how one lives.

I feel much more connected to my artistry now. My academic background in fine arts and gender studies has shaped me, but I don’t think formal education is the only path. Art is a way of moving through the world.

Leti: Has living in Málaga influenced your artistic perspective compared to London?

Panama:

I complain about Málaga a lot—it’s not always the most inspiring place for me. I thrive in contrast, in cities that let me explore different versions of myself. Returning to Málaga after years abroad has sometimes left me in a state of apathy that I have to actively push against.

But at the same time, Málaga has given me the privilege of slowing down, being intentional, and figuring out what I truly want. That clarity is valuable. Still, I need long stretches outside the city to avoid getting stuck in my own bubble.

Milestones & Future Projects

Leti: Are there any pivotal career moments that shaped your style?

Panama:

Working at the Feminist Library in London for five years completely shaped how I create and consume art. It gave me a vision beyond myself. That experience led me to a master’s in gender studies and later a scholarship in Colombia—a transformative human and artistic experience.

That journey has subtly redirected my career towards human rights, rather than strictly contemporary art. It wasn’t something I saw clearly three or four years ago, but looking back, it makes perfect sense.

Leti: What are you currently working on?

Panama:

Right now, I’m working on Manifiesto del Desnudo, an exploration of self-portraiture, the observer, and the observed.

It’s a collaboration with volunteers who want to be photographed naked. Through the process, we engage in conversations about intimacy, ownership, and empowerment. In the final act, they take a portrait of both of us, naked, using a cable release on an analogue 35mm camera. It’s complex, challenging, and incredibly exciting.

Leti: What themes excite you for future projects?

Panama:

I want to continue exploring the body as a tool for liberation.

They’ve used our bodies to oppress us, but they will also be what sets us free.

Leti: If you had to sum up your artistic philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?

Panama:

Right now, “amuse yourself first”.

Too often, we create with the audience in mind. Lately, I’m focused on making sure I am excited about what I’m creating. Hopefully, that resonates with others. But even if it doesn’t, at least I’ve made myself happy.

Final Thoughts

Panama’s work continues to push the boundaries of intimacy, desire, and the body, blending fine art with personal narrative. And knowing her, there will always be new explorations, new provocations, and plenty of belly laughs along the way.

→ Want to explore more of Panama Diaz’s work? Check out her projects here.