With our series “An artist’s life.” we want to share the stories of the people behind the art.
“An artist’s life.”
The stories of the people behind the art.
Photographer Svetlana Balashova – www.svetasts.com
Svetlana is a professional photographer currently living and working in Houston, Texas.
Through the Prism of Change
“My name is Svetlana. I am a professional photographer with over 15 years of experience. I have had the opportunity to shoot in different parts of the world, such as Paris, Lisbon, Venice, Istanbul, the Seychelles, and others, but at the end of each trip, I always returned home – to Moscow. Life’s twists and turns are often unpredictable; circumstances forced me to leave my home and brought me to the vibrant country of Uzbekistan. Moving has never been a foreign concept to me. I am used to the transient nature of my life, frequently changing residences within my own country. However, moving to another country was a different experience altogether. The culture, traditions, and even the rhythm of life were drastically different from what I was accustomed to.
Uzbekistan welcomed me with bustling markets, interesting architecture, and friendly people. However, I soon realized that my freedom of expression as a photographer would face some obstacles here. Conservative traditions and social norms meant that revealing clothing and candid photos of women were condemned and simply unacceptable. This was a stark contrast to my experience in my homeland. It was impossible to stifle my artistic voice as I have been shooting not only portraits, family shoots, and weddings but also self-portraits for over 15 years. I began experimenting with self-portraits that blended my unique style with the rich colors of Uzbekistan. I strived to challenge norms while respecting the culture and customs, and that’s when things got tricky.
“Artists are meant to push boundaries, challenge norms, and evoke emotions.”
The initial reactions were unpleasant, but expected. There was negative criticism, and some locals even threatened reprisals and deportation because of the provocative nature of my self-portraits. I was torn between fear and an overwhelming passion for self-expression. These photographs were more than just pictures to me; they were a reflection of my identity, my journey, and my defiance against subjugation.
Despite the negative reaction from some, my audience began to grow. A wonderful community of young, creative, and talented people formed around me, who are able to see more broadly and find creativity in everything around us. Some galleries showed interest in my work, but fear of controversy prevented them from exhibiting my work to the public. It was depressing to realize that fear of public outcry could stifle even the most avant-garde expressions of art.
I decided to pack my bags once again. Leaving the warmth of Uzbekistan, I am still searching for a new canvas and a place for my art. As I move on, my faith in the limitless nature of art remains unshaken. The journey continues, and each step I take becomes a stroke on the canvas of my life. With every step and every challenge, I hold on to the belief that creativity knows no boundaries. Artists are meant to push boundaries, challenge norms, and evoke emotions. My experience in Uzbekistan, though filled with hardships, has reinforced my belief that art can transcend cultural differences and spark conversations that bridge gaps and establish new creative connections.”
My Selfportraits:
