In the lively coastal city of Brighton, United Kingdom, resides the young photographer Scarlett Poppy. As a model and artist, Scarlett has been making a name for herself with her dreamlike creations that transport viewers to ethereal dimensions. Through self-portraits and Polaroid photography, Scarlett Poppy’s work draws inspiration from unconventional sources, such as films and art that challenge societal norms and encourage viewers to step outside their comfort zones.

Scarlett Poppy‘s journey into the world of photography began at the young age of 16, and over the years, her work has evolved into a unique style, reflecting the multiple identities she portrays through her self-portraits. Scarlett thrives on a non-conformist approach to media, and at the core of her creations are ethereal settings that often feature the female form, with Scarlett herself as the subject. Within her images, various forms of femininity emerge, with clothing and the human body playing essential roles in accentuating the visual narratives she creates.

An interesting aspect of Scarlett’s photography is her mission to redefine the depiction of the naked body. In a world where sexualization is pervasive, she boldly addresses these norms, constantly pushing the boundaries of what art can achieve. The delicate and sensual quality of her images tries to arouse deeply personal emotions in every viewer, inviting them to connect with the deep stories that her photographs tell.

At the age of 22, Scarlett Poppy has already carved out a significant niche in the world of photography. Her primary focus on Polaroid and film photography, coupled with her mastery of the darkroom, makes her a true artist. She revels in the creative freedom that self-portraiture affords her, allowing intuition to guide her on photographic journeys that explore sensuality and emotion.

Scarlett Poppy will be part of Collater.al Photography at Matalon Foundation in Milano from 22 to 24 September 2023.

Courtesy Scarlett Poppy

Mira Nedyalkova has a fascinating and unconventional artistic journey. She began her interest in the world of art with drawing and even explored the realm of modeling. However, in 2007, she discovered photography as a means of personal expression, and this discovery marked a turning point in her creativity. For Nedyalkova, photography became more than just a means to capture moments through a lens; it became a channel to express her deepest thoughts and emotions.

Her photographs are not merely photographs; they are profound reflections of her inner world. She delves into the realms of pain, beauty, and eroticism, using these elements as a way to communicate her personal experiences and perspectives on life. Ultimately, what sets Mira Nedyalkova’s work apart is her ability to portray water with a highly erotic quality. For the photographer, the liquid dimension is a symbol of duality, representing opposites that coexist in our lives. Water can quench our thirst and save us, just as it can pose a risk and threaten to destroy us.

It is these two aspects that make water a highly erotic element for Nedyalkova. The desire for life, love, and the eternal struggle to overcome pain, sadness, and loneliness. Water is used as a metaphor for these emotional complexities, creating images that are as beautiful as they are dark. Her work reminds us that eroticism is not limited to the physical; it can be found in the depths of our emotions and the turbulence of our inner worlds.

Ph. courtesy Mira Nedyalkova

To discover more of Mira Nedyalkova’s photography here is her Instagram profile.

In her artist statement, Alexandra Mavrofridi emphasizes her ability to communicate the strength of emotions rather than attempting to inadequately describe them in words. The photographer grapples with society’s tendency to label and criticize women based on their choices, appearance, and behavior. Faced with this verbal violence, she has found refuge and strength through the lens of her camera. Mavrofridi’s photography becomes a sanctuary where she can embrace her sensuality and vulnerability without fear of judgment. Within this creative space, she confronts the violence that society often conceals beneath its expectations. Her work becomes a testament to her resilience, a visual narrative of her journey to break down the barriers between her innocent self and the seductive woman within her.

Every self-portrait she captures is a glimpse into her inner world, a safe place where fragility and strength coexist harmoniously. Through her lens, the photographer embarks on a nostalgic journey, a reminiscence of the reality she began shaping when she first ventured into photography. It is a journey untethered by direction but guided by deep emotions and the stories she wants to convey. Mavrofridi’s photographic adventure is driven by intuition, leading her to explore various mediums. Her goal is to create a versatile body of work, a growing masterpiece that paints a vivid universe populated by nude forms, enigmatic shadows, and human hybrids. In doing so, she challenges stereotypes and preconceptions, using her art to provoke contemplation rather than judgment.

In an era where words can sometimes be weak in expressing the depth of emotions, Alexandra Mavrofridi’s photography is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. It allows her to confront societal norms and reveal the vulnerability that often hides beneath the surface, creating compelling work that speaks to the human experience.

Ph. courtesy Alexandra Mavrofridi

For more of Alexandra Mavrofridi’s photographs, you can visit her Instagram profile.