Kristina Varaksina Self Portrait, 2020

I do love portraiture, especially self portraiture. It seems to offer that little bit extra than a normal portrait, an extra insight into the photographer’s inner life and how they perceive themselves.

The latest photographer to catch my interest is Kristina Varaksina, especially this self portrait. A description of the image sounds simple enough, a nude self portrait of being wrapped in void filler pockets that are used in protective packaging and so the meaning of the image is quite straight forward. It is unambiguous and explicit in its meaning.

However, there are some little gems that are hidden in this image. The first element to mention is the expression, which is of security and safety. But this is just the first impression, of what holds the real power of this expression is the eyes. They are staring through the camera to the viewer, making a connection that always draws the attention and makes the viewer connect with the image. The eyes seem to follow you, always looking at you, breaking that imaginary fourth wall and commanding your attention.

This is only made possible by the photograph having a single point perspective, as does any photograph or painting. It gives the viewer just a single perspective, just one way of looking at the image. For instance, we can’t wander round and look at the portrait from behind, instead the view that the viewer is given is unchanging and static. It is this that gives the eyes such a piercing quality, a captivating stare that makes the viewer self conscious of themselves looking at the photograph.

The image contains a sense of serenity and calmness. I suspect the image might have been taken on a large format camera, a format that gives the image its sense of stillness, and it is this sense of stillness that supports the sense of serenity and calm. Also, with using so many harmonious colours helps to strengthen and reinforce the calmness of the image. It is these elements that really do give the impression that she is safe and protected, is beyond being hurt and is within her safe place.

Overall, I love this image. It has just the right amount of sensitivity, strength and vulnerability, qualities that always make for a successful self portrait and is an image that I doubt I will ever grow tired of.