"Whimsical Worlds" at Barvinskyi Gallery showcases the work of Ukrainian photographer Spasi Sohrani (Tetiana Nikitina), who now resides in Portugal. This exhibition traces her artistic journey from the constraints of the COVID-19 lockdown to becoming a celebrated artist.
What began with simple still-life photos of vegetables, taken in her kitchen, quickly developed into intricate arrangements of different objects, as Spasi Sohrani revealed her innate talent. Soon, she captured attention with her evolving technical prowess and storytelling.
A turning point in her career occurred when she started working in a prop studio, leading her to create self-portraits with imaginative costumes and makeup. As using herself as the subject proved to be both emotionally and financially taxing, she began crafting masks inspired by the photographs of Charles Fréger and Phyllis Galembo. Each mask character has a unique narrative, like "Potato Bob," while others invite viewers to interpret their stories.Her acclaimed "Parents Series" features her parents in humorous costumes with solemn expressions, reflecting the awkwardness of childhood family photos.Spasi Sohrani’s work blends humor, vulnerability, and meticulous craftsmanship, challenging conventional portraiture and exploring themes of identity and transformation.
As she says in her own words, “Creating masks with paper, glue, and second-hand clothes is my escape to a fantastical realm... simplicity breeds magic, and the forgotten becomes extraordinary.”
"Whimsical Worlds" invites viewers into her imaginative world, where ordinary moments become engaging works of art.