Alena Zhandarova was born in 1988, Russia. She holds MFA in Photography (European Institute of Design, IED Madrid, Spain). Using photography as the main instrument of interaction with the space, she creates a special atmosphere of magic, which builds on experimentation and the fresh air of ordinary things in unusual situations.
In her work, Alena explores the theme of uniqueness and diversity of each person, the connection between inner and external worlds.
She investigate the border between habitual and unfamiliar, using the visual storytelling as a tool of implementation of her inner philosophy. She is working basically through portraits, where the person or herself perform as a ground for sculptures, which she can mold and create something new, find the answers and set the new ones.
She goes this way to release internal forces and wellsprings, because she believe that the universe in us is infinitely wise and knows this world better than we are.
“I explore the theme of uniqueness and diversity of each person, the connection between inner and external worlds. I break the conventions in which I was placed and try to create my own rules of communication with the universe. I am inspired by the idea of combining the incompatible, creating something out of nothing, seeking amazing coincidence — all of which then develop into a unique stories.”
In 2020 Zhandarova was shortlisted by one of the most prestigious photography prizes – Zeiss Photography Awards and was a finalist of Lucie Foundation Scholarship, Lens Culture Student Photography Award, PhotoVisa Festival, Encontros da Imagem Photo Festival and Luceo
Student Project Award winner earlier.
Alena Zhandarova’s works were presented also during numerous festivals, including Cortona on the Move Photo Festival (Italy, 2018), Month of Photography Los Angeles (USA, 2018), Kolga Tbilisi PhotoFestival (Georgia, 2017), FOCUS PhotoFestival (India, 2017), Suwon PASA Festival (South Korea, 2017), Encontros da Imagem Photo Festival (Portugal 2015,2013), Pingyao Photography Festival (China, 2015), PhotoVisa Festival (Russia, 2012), Copenhagen Photo Festival (Denmark, 2012). Her works can be found in the collection of Meyrin Cultural Center (Geneva, Switzerland), Kyosato Museum of Photographic Arts (Kyosato, Japan) and in many private collections.
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