Interview: Larisa Usmanova
Luca Curci talks with Larisa Usmanova during THE BODY LANGUAGE, first appointment of the 19th edition of VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

“My childhood was spent in western Kazakhstan, my student years in Siberia, and now I live in amazing Bulgaria. I started doing photography at one of the most difficult times in my life and it became a real cure. The world changed for me as I picked up the camera.”

Luca Curci – When you take photos, are you usually inspired by the situation or do you find inspiration in yourself?
Larisa Usmanova – This process is different every time. Most often I already have a final image in my mind and I just need to set everything up as if I put the puzzle pieces together. But sometimes everything changes during the photoshoot, as I get to know the model. Any little detail can take me into a different mood from what I had planned, it’s more of an intuitive process. And it’s always very exciting.

LC – When did you realize that photography could also be a life lens?
LU – I became interested in photography during one of the hardest periods in my life. I wanted to start something new, to distract from my problems and do something that fascinated me for a long time. But my world turned upside down and I started to see everything through the prism of my lens – photography became my main passion. Looking back at my work I see the transformation that took place in me. This is probably hard for the outside observer to see because my photographs are not documentary, but for me, it’s very obvious. Photography changed me in many ways.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it your medium of expression?
LU – Definitely, my art is a way of my self-expression. I take photos because I feel an inner need for that. But sometimes I don’t pick up my camera until I feel a strong desire to shoot.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
LU – When I look through the photos after I finish the photoshoot and see the very photo I need, where all the details create a beautiful harmony just as perfect ingredients in a good kitchen – I feel very happy in these moments. Sometimes when I look through my old works I can see them in a new light and edit them in a different way so this work can become a completely new project. This process is also very exciting.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
LU – I am very much nourished by art in the broadest sense of the word, it could be the paintings by old masters or fashion photography, a still from a movie or a reflection in an old mirror, the hands of an old woman or sunlight falling on objects, a dried tree or the lines of architecture.

LC – Your last artistic production attracted us, has the artwork presented been created for the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works?
LU – My work presented at the exhibition was previously taken under the influence of the painting Narcissus by Caravaggio. This is one of my favourite artists. I really like to use this play of light and shadow, like in his paintings.ù

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
LU – Yes, sure! This theme resonates with me and it’s been relevant since antiquity. This is what has inspired artists throughout the history of art.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
LU – I believe that an artist needs a platform to interact with the public and it’s very interesting to see his work in a concept exhibition, as well as to see other artists.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
LU – Definitely! Collaborating with you was very interesting and useful for me.