
Svetlana Melik-Nubarova
Hometown: Almaty
Based in: Turkey
Hometown: Almaty
Based in: Turkey
Svetlana is a fine art photographer from Kazakhstan based in Turkey. She uses style of an old portrait painting to create images that are thematically focused on identity, relationships, emotions and dreams. Her immaculate technique creates beautiful evocations of universal emotions of beauty, femininity and fragility. She expertly visualizes atmospheric dreams, utilizing the uncanny and clever metaphor, while unlocking what it means to think, feel, dream and express in the modern world. Svetlana has exhibited internationally with collective exhibitions in Europe and the USA. She has also exhibited at Paris, France. Her ethereal aesthetic has won multiple art prizes and garnered critical acclaim from press.
What inspires you?
Painting inspires me first of all. Especially these are the works of old masters such as Velasquez, Leonardo, Brueghel... the list can be long. In addition, I am impressed by the art of the early 20th century. This also applies to painting and photography.
Describe your creative process.
I never call myself a photographer. Despite the fact that I do all the main work in the studio with the help of a camera, I use Photoshop a lot. Digital processing helps me to create the atmosphere I want, to add elements that cannot coexist together in the physical world.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Idea, Concept, Fine art
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Flora Borsi, Martin Stranka, Brooke Shaiden.......
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Idea. Model. Camera.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Trust your intuition.
Where do you go for inspiration?
I live near the sea and therefore I of course go to the seaside. The sea gives peace and helps to remove internal restrictions.
Education
Conservatory, Psychology
Kazakhstan, 1993
Conservatory
Kazakhstan, 1990
Awards
Platinum medal (London Photo Awards)
2022
Commended (Siena Photo Awards)
2022
Fotographer of the Year ( Budapest)
2021
Silver medal (International Photo Awards)
2020
Gold medal (Paris Photo Prize)
2018
Exhibitions
Siena Creative Awards
Italy, 2022
Budapest Photo Awards
Hungary, 2021
Siena Creative Awards
Italy, 2020
Paris Photo Prize
France, 2019
Paris Photo Prize
France, 2018