Photographer Katerina Sysova

As an artist, I employ photography not merely as a tool for observation but as a means to construct and communicate layered narratives, much akin to a painter with their canvas. My work is deeply influenced by critical media theories, particularly those of the Frankfurt School, concepts of simulacra, and the study of semiotics. These frameworks not only guide my artistic process but also enrich the content, turning each photograph into a critical examination of visual culture.

I meticulously plan each image, from the selection of unique subjects to the creation and arrangement of props, crafting scenes that transcend the conventional bounds of photography. My goal is to stage photographs that echo the aesthetic depth and compositional rigor of old masters’ paintings, fostering a dialogue between the viewer and the viewed, between reality and representation.

Incorporating elements of wit and kitsch, I infuse my scenes with a playful yet incisive critique of contemporary mores. This approach not only adds a layer of irony and humor but also sharpens the critical edge of my work, allowing for a more engaging and multifaceted dialogue with the audience.

Through my photographs, I aim to provoke reflection on the mundane, urging viewers to question their everyday realities and ingrained perceptions. My practice embodies the ‘female gaze,’ a deliberate choice to reinterpret and critique societal and cultural constructs through a lens that seeks to empower and redefine.

Each piece is a call to critical engagement, a painted scene captured through the lens of a camera, where every element is a brushstroke contributing to a larger picture of contemplation and critique. By marrying the cerebral with the visual, my work invites you to laugh, question, and rethink the world around us.