We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Galina Semenova a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Galina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I’ve ever embarked upon is deeply personal and resonates with a cause close to my heart. It’s a photo project dedicated to domestic violence, titled “There is a crack … in everything, that’s how the light gets in,” inspired by Leonard Cohen’s poignant song, “Anthem.” The backstory of this project is intertwined with my own healing journey and a profound desire to transform personal pain into a beacon of hope for others.
In the aftermath of adversity, it’s easy to focus on the darkness, the cracks, and the scars. But as Cohen’s lyrics suggest, it’s through these very cracks that light finds its way, illuminating the strength and resilience that often go unnoticed. My project is not just about highlighting the plight of domestic violence survivors but about celebrating their indomitable spirit. It’s about shifting the narrative from victimhood to valor, from pain to power.
The core philosophy of my project is rooted in the Japanese concept of Kintsugi, which celebrates the beauty in imperfections. Just as Kintsugi artists mend broken pottery with gold, emphasizing the cracks rather than hiding them, I sought to portray the survivors of domestic abuse in a similar light. Their lives, though fractured by trauma, are pieced back together with threads of positive intention, resilience, and hope. Each portrait in my project is a testament to this journey of healing. Depending on the depth of trauma each subject has faced, I disassemble their portrait and then reassemble it, accentuating the cracks with decorative gold. The outcome? Large archival prints that stand as symbols of triumph over adversity.
However, it’s crucial to understand that this project is not about glorifying the scars left by domestic abuse. It’s about acknowledging them, understanding the stories behind them, and then looking beyond. It’s about seeing the person, not just the pain. It’s about recognizing the beauty, strength, and healing that emerges from the ashes of such harrowing experiences.
The initial phase of this project has been deeply rewarding, and the positive feedback has only strengthened my resolve to take it further. As I collaborate with the subjects, my aim is to offer them a platform for acknowledgment and catharsis. By partnering with domestic violence and human rights organizations, I hope to amplify the reach of this project, touching the lives of those who need it the most and inspiring change in the hearts of many.
In essence, this project is my ode to every individual who has faced the horrors of domestic abuse and emerged stronger. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s a crack that lets the light in. And sometimes, that light can illuminate the path for countless others.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My story probably began in childhood. I remember those moments when I held positive slides in my hands and looked at them through a projector, marveling at this amazing invention and moments frozen in time. Around the age of 12, I consciously began to take photographs and realized that photography deeply attracted me. In the tenth or eleventh grade, together with a friend, we experimented in a home photo lab, printing black and white photos from color film. Over time, my passion became more serious. In fact, photography came into my life in childhood, and the interest in it arose at the same time. As for my professional biography, my relationship with photography is truly unique. I was both interested and scared to engage in it at a professional level and call myself a professional photographer. Like many creative individuals, at the beginning of my journey, I often compared myself to others. As a result, it seemed to me that I was always losing because there will always be someone who does something better, who is more skilled in Photoshop, or just technically stronger. These fears, which arise from comparing oneself to others, sometimes hindered me. Answering your question, I can say that the beginning of my passion for photography was in childhood, around five or six years old, but my real professional biography began about six years ago when I started submitting my works to various competitions and contests.
Over the past six years, my portraits have gained international recognition and have been awarded various photographic prizes. My creations have been featured in numerous group exhibitions worldwide, including the exhibition at the 6th Biennial of Fine Art and Documentary Photography at the FotoNostrum Gallery in Barcelona, Spain. In 2022, one of my works was honored with an international photographic award from the British Journal of Photography and 1854 as part of the “Female in Focus” project, a platform aimed at supporting talented female photographers from around the world. Additionally, my works are regularly published in the prestigious photography magazine, Lens Magazine.
About two years ago, I worked on a portrait shoot for my friend who had gone through a tough battle with breast cancer. After chemotherapy, she lost her hair and one breast. Her state was exceptionally vulnerable. Undoubtedly, this is a very challenging period for anyone, but perhaps even more painful for women. As women, we are so accustomed to perceiving ourselves through the prism of beauty: a beautiful body, a graceful face, luxurious hair, flawless skin. When for some reasons our body changes, when we lose hair or face other alterations, we have to rethink our femininity and learn to accept ourselves anew. At the core of my artwork is an unwavering belief in finding beauty in everything. This belief, coupled with my artistic skills, empowers me to uplift and embolden my subjects. It’s this intrinsic drive to spotlight the inherent beauty and strength in all things, especially in the face of adversity, that keeps me moving forward with my projects. This passion not only ignites my interest but also fuels my commitment to every piece of art I create. My primary goal in this project was to capture beauty and resilience, despite the shaved head, visible scars, and altered breast shape. This shoot was incredibly emotional and inspiring. With my friend’s permission, I submitted one of the portraits to the Female in Focus competition, and that shot became one of the winners. At the end of last year, an exhibition of the winners’ works was held in London, and by the end of this year, another exhibition is planned in New York in December.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Being an artist means having a special way to talk to oneself and the world. The best part of this journey is being able to share personal stories through art. Each piece of art tells a story about the artist’s feelings and experiences, connecting with others on a deeper level. Art also tells a story of overcoming hardships, offering hope and a new perspective to others. Sharing through art creates a conversation between the artist and the audience, which can be healing and inspiring for both.
Also, art provides a constant way to channel energy, whether it’s joy or sadness. It’s like having a safe space where these emotions can take a physical form like a photograph, painting, sculpture, or dance. This way, emotions find a way out and get transformed into something beautiful and meaningful.
Engaging in the creative process helps stay in the moment and provides a break from daily chaos. It’s like a meditative journey that helps find calmness and expression amidst life’s noise.
Art serves two main purposes – it tells personal stories and acts as a channel for all kinds of emotions. It’s a way to navigate through life’s ups and downs, while also helping others understand and grow through shared human experiences.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Being a creative person is like surfing. Instead of following a set schedule like a regular 9 to 5 job, creatives ride the waves of inspiration whenever they come, be it day or night. This can be hard for others to understand. When a good idea or the mood to create hits, it’s important to go with it right then. If you put it off, it can be tough to catch that same wave of inspiration again later. It’s not about working certain hours; it’s about being ready when creativity strikes.This might seem disorganized to some people, but it’s just how the creative process works. It’s about being flexible and going with the flow of ideas to make something new and meaningful. Sharing this part of the creative life might help others see the dedication and unique challenges that come with being an artist or a creative. Plus, it might encourage others to find their own way of catching the creative wave in whatever they do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.galinasemenova.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gala_semenova/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalaSemenovaPhotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gala-semenova/
Image Credits
Gala Semenova