I first discovered photographer Polly Karpova a few months ago. For ages I’ve been intrigued by the work of artists from Eastern Europe. There is a dark serene mood that seems to capture the surroundings of a place that I’m longing to visit.
For this feature I asked Polly a few questions about her creative process and her new photo series, 38.
Polly on 38:
The purpose of this series of pictures is the study of several of the main problems. First of all, I pay attention to such a topical subject for contemporary photography, the role and function of the figure of the author, by inversion. I make replicas of their previously taken photos, becoming a model in place, trying as much as possible to accurately convey the primary way down to facial expressions and small parts of the picture. In this model serves as a photographer.
Also note that I and my model – close friends, and this series is a kind of retrospective of our relationship, as footage that I reproduce, were removed shortly after we met. Thus, my reincarnation symbolize more and friendly proximity transformed over the years almost identical.
In addition, this series affects other important properties of the medium of photography as a memory – historical, collective and individual. Reconstructing the events of five years ago, I emphasize static personal, subjective experiences in the context of historical memory. This is particularly noticeable on some shots where I was not able to accurately reconstruct some details of the interior, clothing and so on, but almost perfectly just managed to convey facial expression, posture, the general character of the frame.
In conclusion, it is worth emphasizing the paradox of this series, consists in the fact that the author, becoming the place of the model is still the author, since he belongs to the concept, which results in a change of roles of the author and model. A model that takes the place of the photographer, mechanically reproduces a picture, regardless of the author’s subjectivity, thus still remaining object.
How old are you and where are you based?
I’m 22 years old, I was born and live in Kharkov, eastern Ukraine.
Describe your creative process.
I collect various elements of contemporary culture, combining them with retro logos. This visual move I’m conditioned by the fact that in 23 years of independence in Ukraine, in many parts of my city time seems to have stopped and nothing has changed since Soviet times. Such a kind of paradox of style. I’m trying to catch it and to voice my own language of a fashion photo shoot.
What are some of the best things about where you live in terms of creativity and shooting?
This contrast and paradox in a society, architecture, fashion and so on.
Is there a place in the world you’re dying to go? Where and why?
I have never been abroad, so any travel experience is interesting to me.
What inspires you in your work?
The cult of youth, a kind of childishness. Absurd casual fashion of Ukrainian women.
Any funky items of clothing, accessories, household items and baby toys all that I like to combine into one.
Lastly, what is one of your most vivid memories when it comes to photography? Is there an interesting story behind one of your shoots?
I have a series called “Sexy Rarity”, I made it in 2011. It was a trip to a small town in Kharkov region, almost village. I photographed very hot girl in a huge abandoned house, full of soviet interiors, she spent a childhood there. This is the most powerful location where I was able to visit with the camera.
Discover more of Polly’s work:
https://twitter.com/polinakarp
