Aleksandra Vizin

Year of birth: 1978.
Where do you live: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Your discipline: Staged photographer.
Describe your art in three words: Come as you are.
Website

Can you share the story of how you discovered your passion for photography during the quarantine?

I am always in a constant “discovery phase” even in my fifth decade, there is still so much more to uncover within myself. The pandemic period was challenging. It felt like my freedom had been taken away, so I traveled as much as possible, often against all odds. Yet, the lingering isolation took its toll, prompting me to do something constructive within the confines of four walls. I had a spare room in my apartment, which I transformed into a mini studio, and the rest is history (laughter).

Aleksandra Vizin | After Work | 2022

What initially drew you to a non-commercial approach to your work?

Nothing in particular. I was naturally drawn to it, just as I am drawn to myself. I feel there are already more than enough commercial projects, and I didn’t want to be just another artist in the line of generic popular beauty creators. I mean, even if I wanted, I couldn’t. Not interested.

How do you decide on the themes and characters for your photographs?

Everything happens very naturally and effortlessly. I have so many ideas that I would need another lifetime to explore them all. Mostly, I’m inspired by moments, things I catch out of the corner of my eye, or even more frequently, things aren’t visible to the naked eye.

Aleksandra Vizin | Sisterhood | 2024

You prefer minimal post-production. What challenges and benefits does this approach present in your work?

I prefer raw. Raw photos, raw emotions, raw beauty. Unretouched life. Real. It aligns naturally with a non-commercial ethos, capturing authenticity.

Your work often includes elaborate costumes and character development. How do you go about creating these elements?

Costumes and scenes are integral to my artistic expression as well as developing characters. They breathe life into my photographic narratives, filling the frames with purpose. Without these elements, photography would appear empty, meaningless to me.

Aleksandra Vizin | The Stranger | 2024

What has been the most memorable reaction or feedback you’ve received from viewers of your work?

Well one of mine acquaintance, upon encountering my work, humorously remarked, “You’ll either end up as a bohemian burnout failure or grace the walls of esteemed galleries”. (Laughter).

Which artists or photographers have influenced your work the most, and in what ways?

Surprisingly, none of them, so far. I believe my journey is still evolving awaiting for the vision and voice from the biggest art minds of our time. 

Aleksandra Vizin | The Gathering | 2022