Many influencers visit Munich every year and capture the city through an array of videos, articles and photos. In order to gain some real insight into their creative work and to find out what they love so much about Munich, we have put together a questionnaire. This time: Matilde Minauro from Campania, the face behind Quietpoem.
How had you imagined Munich before your visit?
It was my first time in Munich and to be honest, I just expected it to be very traditional, as in Italy it is best known for the Oktoberfest.
And how did it turn out to be?
Munich, I discovered, is magical and charming. It’s vibrant, full of art and beautiful architecture, it’s peaceful and elegant and every corner is the right one to fall in love.
What did you like the most?
When I visit a new city, I try to keep my eyes and heart open as much as possible, I always let the city take my hand and lead me ... and, believe me, I’m never disappointed. In Munich, I fell in love with its light and its understated elegance hidden in every little detail.
What was the most interesting place?
This is a really difficult question to answer, as I really loved everything about Munich, and I'm not exaggerating. But, if I really have to pick one place I would say Schwabing, Munich’s bohemian and artistic district. The neighbourhood was home to the most important poets, painters and writers in the 19th century and until today it was able to keep the creative and dynamic atmosphere.
What was the tastiest food? And the best drink?
I would say to everyone, when in Munich, you should definitely go against the current and choose to eat vegetarian at Tian Restaurant (closes end 2022). As for the best drink, put the beer aside for a moment and treat yourself with a perfectly mixed cocktail at Call Soul.
What was your nicest encounter?
You can meet nice people everywhere in Munich, so in this case I will not pick just one person. Instead I will say that the nicest encounter was Munich itself.
What was your favourite moment?
I will say just a name: Cy Twombly. His work "Roses" at Museum Brandhorst has completely captured my heart.
What did you learn?
Munich has taught me how important it is for everything and everyone to remain anchored to tradition by opening up to modernity, continuously contaminating one’s own essence without distorting it.
What did you take from your visit?
I took away with me all the precious experiences that Munich was able to offer me, from food to design, from art to life in general.
You can give your friends three tips for a trip to Munich – where do you tell them to go?
Three things you can’t miss in Munich: Afternoon stroll at the Englischer Garten (park). Shopping experience at Fünf Höfe or at Ludwig Beck. A night at the Bayerische Staatsoper.
What do you want to do on your next visit?
As I did this time, next time I will "SIMPLY" let myself be guided by "MUNICH" itself to discover other millions of nuances of this wonderful city so full of life.
What’s your personal tip for the perfect holiday photo?
Get away from the tourist paths and find your own secret corner.
What are your three golden tips for travelling?
Don’t be afraid to immerse yourself completely in the essence of the place you’re visiting. Follow your heart, it always leads you in the right places. Get lost, again and again. The most surprising things happen when you allow yourself the luxury of taking a "wrong" road.
And last but not least: What do you think people from Munich mean when they say "dramhappad"?
I think it means something like DRAMA HAPPENED, and maybe it is used when something wasn't as positive as expected.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Matilde Minauro and I’m a photographer based in Italy. I was introduced to photography through my grandfather’s work and owned my first camera at age 8. With my photography I would love to create a dreamlike, poetic and quiet atmosphere with consistently diluted and rarefied tones to define an intimate space. I love to think that my photographs are a collection of quiet poems that tell a story of feelings that words sometimes fail to express. With a strong belief that every story is worth telling and that everyone has their own way to tell it, I have understood that the best way to share mine is through photography. For me it is an amazing "mission" and "job" and I consider myself really lucky to be doing something that I love.
Where do you get inspiration for your work?
I like to think that my photography is a journey through the world and through myself. I like to think that when I take a photograph, I’m choosing a fragment of the world that somehow already belongs to me. I love observing the world: it is constantly painting scenes, telling us millions of stories.
What’s the biggest challenge in your job?
To be in harmony with my subject, be it a person, a detail, a glimpse of an unknown city or myself. It is important and at the same time very challenging to "become one" with my subject to make sure that everything remains exactly as it is and it is captured and told in the way it came to me.
Thank you, Matilde!
