Interview with featured photographer Iryna Semko

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Interview with featured photographer Iryna Semko

December 1st, 2024 by fstop

©Iryna Semko – Reflections of Identity

Iryna Semko’s project “Reflections of Identity: A Kaleidoscope of Self-Portraits” reveals the artist’s inner world through a kaleidoscope of bright colors, abstract forms, and unique materials. Iryna began this visual exploration to regroup and find a new way forward in her photography after having spent time documenting the destruction caused by the war in Ukraine. Her project asks viewers to reflect on their own inner worlds and ways of expression in the face of challenging circumstances and consider art as a tool for healing and understanding.

F-Stop Magazine: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how did you become involved in photography?

Iryna Semko (IS): I’m a visual artist and photographer from Odesa, Ukraine. I graduated from Odesa State Environmental University with a degree in ‘Ecology and Environmental Protection’ but I worked in the beauty industry while always being interested in art. l attended art history lectures and took academic drawing lessons. My work was creative and required design and drawing skills.

Encouraged by my drawing teacher, I decided to try photography. After studying at the Odesa School of Photography, I focused on landscapes and street photography during my travels. Eventually, I felt the need to deepen my knowledge and continued my studies at the Kyiv School of Photography and the Mykolaiv Young Photography School. From there, I began to explore new themes in my photography, shifting focus to more conceptual and experimental work, delving into different subjects and techniques. This process continues today.

F-Stop: The current issue of F-Stop Magazine includes images from your work “Reflections of Identity,” can you tell us about this project?

IS: I started this project in early 2023, after spending most of 2022 documenting the destruction and devastation caused by the war in Ukraine. The emotional toll of witnessing such loss deeply affected me, and I found myself unable to continue in the same way. I felt lost, unsure of what to do next. Walking the streets and taking photos no longer felt safe or comfortable. So, I began experimenting at home, turning my focus inward, studying myself and the objects around me. This process led to the creation of the project, where I explored my own identity through self-portraits. Using bright colors, abstract forms, and unique materials, each photograph reveals a different aspect of my inner world.

It reflects both my personal identity and resilience in the face of adversity, capturing the freedom to find inspiration within, without relying on external expectations. It’s about embracing your own power, where every gesture and thought becomes an act of creativity.

Through this project, I hope to inspire others to reflect on their own identity, emotions, and the diverse ways we express ourselves, even in the most challenging of circumstances. For me, it’s a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for healing and understanding.

©Iryna Semko – Reflections of Identity

©Iryna Semko – Reflections of Identity

F-Stop: What is your creative process for this work, how do you approach a project like this?

IS: My creative process is pretty free and open. I wanted to create different self-portraits, using whatever materials I had around and just experimenting. What excites me most is the process itself — exploring new ways to express myself and letting my intuition guide me as I try different things. I cut shapes out of paper, dried flowers, painted, and even taped things onto myself. I would then scan everything, combine the elements, and finally refine the image in Lightroom to get the result I was looking for.

F-Stop: How does this project relate or differ from your other work?

IS: I believe that every project, regardless of its theme or visual style, is still a portrait of the artist. While each project may explore different ideas or use different techniques, they all reflect parts of me. In this project, the focus is more personal, but the use of color and form remains a consistent element in my work.

F-Stop: Do you have a favorite image in this series?

IS: It’s hard to choose a favorite, they’re all my babies)

F-Stop: What or who are your photography inspirations?

IS: My inspiration comes from many places, including everyday things like watching films, reading books, visiting exhibitions, spending time in nature and with my dog. I love being away from the city’s noise, but I also find energy in its rhythm. Observing and exploring the world around me always brings new ideas. I’ve learned that inspiration often comes while I’m working-when I start creating, things begin to flow. As for artists and photographers, my list is constantly changing-sometimes it’s ancient cave paintings, other times it’s contemporary creators. The important thing is to stay open to inspiration, wherever it comes from.

F-Stop:Are you working on any other projects currently?

IS: I’m currently working on two new projects, but they’re still in the ‘top secret’ phase.

Iryna Semko is a visual artist and photographer from Odesa, Ukraine. A finalist and winner of photography competitions, she has participated in exhibitions in Ukraine, Switzerland, and Germany. Her works are in private collections. Her art often explores themes of self-discovery, the search for one’s place in the world, and the interaction between humans and nature. Nature serves as both inspiration and a symbol of harmony or disharmony. She grapples with fundamental questions of existence, consciousness, and reality, often using her art as a visual diary of thoughts and emotions. Her approach is intuitive and experimental, with an emphasis on visual aesthetics and the pleasure of the creative process. She finds joy in the process, allowing space for humor and unexpected results. To see more of Iryna’s work visit www.instagram.com/semko_iryna

Location: Online Type: Featured Photographer, Interview, Portraits

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