May, 23rd, 2012
Ritual Analogue | Paulina Surys by Francesca Marotta
I met Paulina Surys a couple of years ago via social networking and we realised we actually lived 5 mins walk from each other’s. I have had the great honour to shoot with her, her work is so full of emotions; there are no words that can explain on how great she is…
/. When did you start photography? And fashion photography?
I took my first photographs while studying Fine Art in Poland. I was working on a screen printing project, combining painting and photography, and so took some lessons in using the darkroom. The possibilities I discovered within eventually overtook my passion for painting, which till that point had been the main focus of my studies. At this time, however, I was unable to fully develop as a photographer due to the high cost of the required materials and equipment in my country; I would shoot occasionally, purely art photography. I started shooting fashion just over a year ago, though I began with little intention of becoming a fashion photographer. This was born out of an obsession with beautiful couture garments and the desire to involve pieces I liked within photographic compositions. I find such special items of clothing inspiring and carefully study their shapes and fabrics before shooting to ensure I make the most out of them.
//. How did it all start to shoot the way you do?
The photography assistant in my university was a real Master of alternative techniques, especially collodion (shooting on glass, which I am really into and very soon you will be able to see results of my recent research). Also, in my family we had quite a collection of photographs of my ancestors, dating back to the 19th century, some of them hand coloured. I would spend hours browsing them as a child , I know it may sound weird but going through the family albums and art albums was one of my favourite activities as a child. My favourite artists those days were Jan Saudek (hand coloured photographs) and Hieronymus Bosch.
Also, analogue photography has an organic touch to it. It is closer to painting. Every single print is individual and impossible to copy. Developing images in the darkroom can feel like a very special ritual process.
http://www.paulinasurys.co.uk | @paulinasurys
http://www.francescamarotta.com | @fmarotta
///. What inspired you to process your photos like that?
As I have mentioned, there were a few different factors. My childhood fascinations, the fact I used to study painting, and of course, the idea of creating something absolutely impossible to duplicate. I really like the little accidental imperfections which sometimes occur. I keep them on purpose. It is something very close to modern art/painting.
////. This is a very old way of processing and painting the photos and many people are trying the same technique but haven’t mastered it like you have. Do you think that having an artistic background has helped? Why?
Yes, of course! I think that sense of composition which can be brought out by using particular colours comes straight from my fine art background. also, I mix the colour palette myself using only the basic hues. A good knowledge of chemistry was a great help here as well! Please, keep in mind that I am mainly painting using RAW chemicals. I also mix my own alchemical secret recipes!
/////. Are you obsessed with death? Some of your shots do bring this out, by the way the models are lying or the look into their eyes… Am I correct?
It is quite a difficult question for me. As a little child I discovered a series of photographs of dead children in coffins in our family album – it was an old custom in my country to photograph dead relatives. As you may guess, the coffin is always open during the ceremony. I remember the shock I felt when i saw my beloved grandfather, dead when I was merely 13years old. He was like a father to me. Also, my father died 4 years ago, it was the main reason why I came to UK. This might have had a great impact on a few projects I have created. But to be honest I am more concerned with capturing images of life than death. The look in models’ eyes I aim to achieve is that of otherworldliness, eyes that have seen beyond…
//////. Are you planning any book? Exhibition? Can we buy your prints?
Yes, I am planning an exhibition for autumn or winter and a bigger one in late spring. Hopefully the latter one will be connected with launching a small album.
As for the prints…I currently only sell the originals to collectors but you can buy the limited reproductions prints on my website from next week!
PAULINA SURYS BY FRANCESCA MAROTTA
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