In a world where borders and boundaries can often fragment our sense of identity, the art of photography becomes a powerful medium for self-exploration and expression. For photographers living in exile, this process takes on an added dimension, as they navigate the complexities of displacement, nostalgia, and adaptation. By capturing images of others—whether people or objects—they embark on a journey to rediscover and redefine themselves. This article explores the works of three contemporary photographers, each of whom uses their lens to find a key to their own identity.
In her series “The Character of a Chair,” Varvara Strelnikova delves into the philosophical depths of everyday objects. Chairs, often overlooked as mere functional items, become subjects of profound reflection in her work. Strelnikova draws a parallel between the uniqueness of each chair and the individuality of people. As she captures these chairs in varied environments, she invites viewers to contemplate the personality, style, and presence each chair embodies. This type of imagery is not a novelty in art context. Vincent Van Gogh, Joseph Kosuth and many others used such imagery in order to create new interesting narratives in visual art. Each work with this piece of furniture has a unique context, which makes them so interesting.
Varvara Strelnikova The Character of a Chair, 2023
Strelnikova’s approach is deeply nostalgic, evoking a sense of longing for connection and self-understanding. Her photographs transcend the literal, offering viewers a metaphorical space to reflect on their own place in the world. Through this series, Strelnikova subtly conveys her exploration of personal identity—using the chairs as stand-ins for human figures, she questions where she fits in the grand design of life and society. Her work is an invitation to consider our own uniqueness, as well as the roles we occupy in our surroundings.
Varvara Strelnikova The Character of a Chair, 2023
Anastasia Vandalkovskaya – The Soul of an Emigrant
Anastasia Vandalkovskaya’s series, “The Soul of an Emigrant,” captures the emotional turbulence of women navigating the complexities of exile. Through blurred, black-and-white portraits, Vandalkovskaya conveys the contradictory feelings that accompany emigration—joy for new beginnings mingled with a deep-seated melancholy for what has been left behind.
Anastasia Vandalkovskaya The Soul of an Emigrant, 2023
Women in Vandalkovskaya’s works look as if they were ghosts, accidently caught be the camera. Their forms are dissolving into the background as if they are slight reminder of the past. This visual representation mirrors the emotional state of the artist’s subjects, who are suspended between the past and the present, between loss and discovery. By documenting this new reality, Vandalkovskaya not only normalizes her own experience but also creates a space for her subjects to process their emotions. Her work is a testament to the power of photography as a tool for exploring the depths of human experience, particularly in the context of displacement.
Oksana Bochina – Discovering Self Through Strangers on the Streets
Oksana Bochina’s street photography is a vivid exploration of self-identity through the lens of others. Originally from Moscow and now residing in Montenegro, Bochina uses her camera to capture the spontaneous narratives of everyday life. Her photographs are infused with a sense of curiosity and a deep appreciation for the stories that unfold in the streets.
Bochina’s work is grounded in the belief that photography can connect people across cultures, allowing us to see the world through different eyes. Her images, whether taken in Montenegro, Croatia, or England, reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary—each moment frozen in time tells a unique story, rich with meaning and emotion. Through her lens, Bochina not only documents the world around her but also embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery. Her photographs become a way to understand her own place in a new country, reflecting the universal quest for belonging.
As these photographers navigate their own experiences of displacement and exile, they turn to their art as a means of making sense of their world. By photographing others—whether people, objects, or fleeting moments—they hold up a mirror to themselves, exploring the complexities of identity in a world that is constantly in flux. Through their lenses, they invite us to join them on this journey, to discover the connections between self and other, between the familiar and the unknown.
Oksana Bochina Chamber Street Contrasts, 2024
Author: Nata Yanchur, artist, curator, writer on contemporary art, co-founder of the CucumberMag
