You’ve seen her photographs in the salon, now it’s time to meet the lady behind the lens in our regular Hair&Art exhibition interview. We wanted to know what inspires Julija, why London is so great right now and what’s next for this fantastic photographer…
In a world that is overfamiliar with digital manipulation and the transformation of an image via filters and apps, Julija Svetlova’s photographs offer a refreshing return to the artisanal and unique qualities of film in a pixel filled world.
Describe your work in 3 words…
Colourful, playful, intriguing.
Tell us something about yourself that we might not already know…
I speak 4 languages and London is the sixth place I have been living in (after stints in Klaipeda, St Petersburg and Cape Town among others)!
What is your favourite view of London?
High tide on the river Thames as seen from Wapping.
In your opinion what is the most iconic London structure you have photographed?
Bing Ben and London Eye I suppose. But I like to go for the more obscure symbols as well, such as pigeons and street art…
What’s it like having your first solo exhibition in the Kaizo salon?
East London is all about mixed purpose spaces, so I am glad that people who normally wouldn’t go to an art gallery for one reason or another are able to see my work.
What feelings do you hope people take away with them after seeing your work?
Curiosity and love for colours.
Favourite photographer?
Sarah Moon and Paolo Roversi are the first one who came to mind.
How would you describe your look?
Natural and chic 🙂
Have you picked up any hair tips from the Kaizo team since the show opened?
Yuka made me curls once, something I was dreaming about since I was a child but never thought was possible…
Any haircuts that you regret?
Lots! Used to dye my hair black when I was younger and also go for crazy asymmetric short hair cuts which didn’t suit me at all!
What’s next for you after the exhibition closes on 10 May?
I will have another exhibition at Victualler, one of the London’s best natural and organic wine bars, here in Wapping where I live. And then hopefully in autumn I will present my new project at some exciting exhibition space.
We look forward to seeing it! Julija’s ‘London Exposed’ exhibition runs until 10 May 2014.
