External/Internal by Yura Taralov is a project that includes many of the shots taken over the years by the Russian photographer, focusing on the influence of the surrounding world and time on his subjects and various objects. «Each photograph tells its own story of how the passage of time leaves inevitable marks on both the body and the soul. For example, in the work Cup, there is a sense of external influence on the internal state. A tea bag, as an external object, changes the color of the water, creating a new deep and warm space. It is important to note that only the inner part of the cup changes, and over time it will take on the color of the tea – it will change completely or partially,» Taralov tells us.

At the center of the series is Grandmother (featured on the cover) – a shot portraying the photographer’s grandmother. The effects of time are visible on her face and her broken glasses. Taralov then asks: «What happened in her life? Who or what broke the glasses? Why has she closed her eyes and not looked through the only empty space?» These questions lead to a free interpretation of what is happening, opening up the theme – crucial for the photographer – of everything concerning external influences.

Taralov’s photographic journey touches on themes that can be interpreted and reinterpreted with the aim of making a unique and subjective journey through memory and time – strengthened by the perspective of a photographer capable of capturing extremely evocative details and atmospheres.

ph. courtesy Yura Taralov