New Grounds
New Grounds is a story about reinventing oneself as a basis for emerging goals, which will eventually lead to uncovering remarkable meanings. Studio shots accompanied by outdoor scenes emphasize the contrast of a variety of angles to perceive a personality, the juxtaposition is of strength and softness. Striking sunlit portraits, styling reminiscent of the previous decades, silver elements that enhance the absence of limits for hairstyling present it as an art object tapping into the imagination of the viewer.
Barbara Gorbunova teams up with Matej Psenicka, a stylist, and Baďa Diaby, a model to analyze the recent self-discoveries and produce a new vision of the person free to create again. As Barbara puts it, "I would honestly mark the new era at this point and start perceiving history BQ and AQ (before and after the quarantine)."
We speak with the team to reveal more details about creative activities during the lockdown, photographing portraits, styling decisions on set, and teamwork. The atmosphere during the photoshoot and the goal to find an honest representation of personality are the focus of this story.
‘Personally, the whole COVID mess just made me realize and rethink so much. I would honestly mark the new era at this point and start perceiving history BQ and AQ (before and after the quarantine).’
— Barbara Gorbunova
New Grounds as a title of the story leads to thinking of a newly introduced concept, an innovative technique, or a process of exploration. What are some of the new grounds you’ve discovered during and after the recent lockdown?
Bad’a: During the lockdown, I realized how creative I get when I really focus on something. I somehow enjoyed my hobbies more than usual. I suppose it's because I didn't feel guilty for 'wasting my time' since there was nothing to do anyway. I composed, played my ukulele, and sang at the top of my lungs. I also discovered my hidden drawing talent, and that's something I'm passionate about even after the lockdown. I love learning new things and seeing the progress because that's when I know I'm growing as a person.
Barbara: Personally, the whole COVID mess just made me realize and rethink so much. I would honestly mark the new era at this point and start perceiving history BQ and AQ (before and after the quarantine) as opposed to BC and AD haha.
‘The idea behind the editorial clearly has a reflection of the post-quarantine state and mood we are all in. Spending so much time alone in isolation, being face-to-face with yourself with no way of escaping, 24/7 really makes you stop and think.’
— Barbara Gorbunova
How is the idea of new grounds implemented in the fashion shoot?
Barbara: The idea behind the editorial clearly has a reflection of the post-quarantine state and mood we are all in. Spending so much time alone in isolation, being face-to-face with yourself with no way of escaping, 24/7 really makes you stop and think, "So what the hell am I doing with my life? Why am I stuck on this and haven’t tried that out yet?" So, in a way, New Grounds is an attempt to show this post-COVID self-exploration, the need for rebirth.
‘We’re playing with the concept of redefining identity a lot. I, as a stylist, don’t really care about gender rules. We wanted to show that you can look feminine, masculine, edgy, but still yourself.’
— Matej Psenicka
What were some of the main emotions and the mood you wanted to create on set and with the powerful portraits/close-ups of Bad’a?
Barbara: What we wanted to show and, in my opinion, what we managed to achieve with the result are photographs radiating confidence. Close-up portraits take up quite a significant space in my personal work, and I believe they are pretty essential when it comes to portraying personality or a certain emotion through photography. I consider myself to be this weird photographer who’s obsessed with honesty and needs to see
people through and through.
Matej: We’re playing with the concept of redefining identity a lot. I, as a stylist, don’t really care about gender rules. We wanted to show that you can look feminine, masculine, edgy, but still yourself. It’s all about the current mood. You don’t have to look the same every day, you can make your own rules, create new identities, but still be yourself.
‘Matěj wanted to show various ways of how my afro hair can be styled, during the photoshoot, and I'm really glad he did that. It shows that even though afro hair can be a little bit harder to work with, it's still manageable and beautiful.’
Some of the most dominant elements of styling are the embroidery on Bad’a’s hair, the sunglasses, and the contrast of some 80s styled pieces, which have a comeback today (the broad shoulders silhouette) and modern accessories. Tell about the idea for the elements to decorate the hair.
Matej: I didn’t expect that Bad’a will be fine with hair styling when we came up with this idea, to be honest. It was very spontaneous, however, she felt free and happy to bring it to life. My vision was to create a contrast between material and hair. Afro hair is like a crown. We wanted to show the beauty of afro hair and show new extraordinary ways of hairstyling.
Bad'a: Matěj wanted to show various ways of how my afro hair can be styled, during the photoshoot, and I'm really glad he did that. It shows that even though afro hair can be a little bit harder to work with, it's still
manageable and beautiful. I used to hate my hair when I was younger, but now I'm showing it off, because I know I wasn't the only little black girl who felt like that. And I want them to wear their hair with pride as it is - because it truly is a crown.
What is the most memorable moment or episode from the shooting day or the preparation for it?
Bad'a: In my opinion, the whole shooting day was pretty iconic. From the beginning to the end. I think we all did a really good job and had a lot of fun dancing around.
Barbara: If you’d take a look at the backstage photos and videos, you’d consider us totally insane. We had TOO much fun in the making! They say when it comes to fashion photography - it’s all about teamwork, and I cannot agree more with the statement. It's the time that you are with the right people, who understand you without words, that makes magical things come to life.
