SHE
We present SHE, a story created by Kristina Shakht, a New York-based photographer. SHE focuses on the presentation of femininity through a female gaze. It emphasizes the range of traits that she can possess, offering to note the contrasts through duality. Softness and sexuality are juxtaposed with the symbolism of fire and physicality, displayed through powerful postures and stare of the subject.
Kristina describes the influence of Botticelli’s work on her research of femininity, “I find a lot of inspiration and symbolism in Sandro Botticelli’s work and Renaissance artists in general.” The story starts from the understanding of the art component that will support the narrative and enrich it with the meaning drawn from beyond what lies on the surface.
Additional themes that have a great connection to womanhood in Kristina’s work are mysticism and the presentation of a woman by focusing on the hair. The use of wigs and the recreation of the form of hair allow for drastic shifts in the way the viewer perceives the character.
We discuss with Kristina her choice to work with Polaroid, the challenges and pleasant surprises that occur, and her approach to the importance of preparation prior to the shooting day. This is the second story by Kristina that is published in WÜL after Bewitched. It proposes to learn about the connecting dots to get closer towards a deeper understanding of the photographer’s perspective.
‘I want to pursue a specific character and create a unique visual language capturing the mysterious and mystical side of my subjects, exploring womanhood through the lens of isolation and tenderness.’
— Kristina Shakht
Tell about this project SHE - what does it represent for you?
I shot several sister projects, December through February. They all are about exploring the female gaze in different aspects. In all of my work, I want to pursue a specific character and create a unique visual language capturing the mysterious and mystical side of my subjects, exploring womanhood through the lens of isolation and tenderness. SHE represents dreams, duality, and stillness.
‘The hair in SHE transfers models to another level - they are not themselves anymore but a symbol and representation of womanhood - pure and human.’
— Kristina Shakht
Hair is an important and recurrent element that also has a symbolic side to it. How would you describe your research that connects the element of hair, as the part to the whole, to the personality in the frame?
I love experimenting with hair, especially length. It became one of the parts of my practice and visual language. I love to use hair and wigs to create the fine art feel - the one you have when you see The Birth of Venus or Spring. I find a lot of inspiration and symbolism in Sandro Botticelli’s work and Renaissance artists in general. Renaissance is one of my favorite era’s, a true rebirth. The hair in SHE transfers models to another level - they are not themselves anymore but a symbol and representation of womanhood - pure and human. It is very natural yet still theatrical.
‘In the beginning, I didn’t have any specific answer to ‘Why Polaroid?!” it just felt very fun and energizing, like I was a kid again and was discovering something new.’
— Kristina Shakht
Why did you choose to photograph the project mainly on Polaroid?
As I mentioned, there were several projects that I’ve shot this winter, and they all were shot on Polaroid. In the beginning, I didn’t have any specific answer to ‘Why Polaroid?!” it just felt very fun and energizing, like I was a kid again and was discovering something new. After the first two shoots, I realized how much potential it has and fell in love with the raw look Polaroid has. It’s definitely harder to make a good picture on Polaroid compared to digital cameras or even 35mm film, and that’s why it is really good for artistic expression.
What are some challenges you need to consider when using instant film?
There are specific strict rules - square frame, low latitude, almost non-existent control of exposure if you shoot without flash, the closest you can get to the object is 2-3 feet otherwise, everything will be blurry, and this all makes it great for experimenting and creating. I feel like good art often comes from restrictions.
‘I wanted to give the shots and the story life by capturing fire. With it, SHE feels more chaotic and vibrant.’
— Kristina Shakht
Fire is another element you decided to incorporate in the shoot. Was it planned or was it a spontaneous last-moment arrangement?
I was driven by the idea of having flames in the shot, and we did a lot of takes with both models. I wanted to give the shots and the story life by capturing fire. With it, SHE feels more chaotic and vibrant.
Which moment from this project is most precious to you?
I would say it’s always the moment when the project is finished. It’s a bittersweet feeling, but it’s always very inspiring to see it in its final stage. Also discovering this amazing light pink and yellow/purple was a very happy moment because you never know how color will look on Polaroid until it’s fully exposed, and these colors turned out to be absolutely gorgeous. I don’t do a lot of post-production and try to plan and prepare everything before the shoot, so I wouldn’t need to spend a lot of time in photoshop, and colors were an unexpected surprise here.
