Hira Jalil

Year of birth: 1990
Where do you live: Athens, Greece
Your education: Post graduate degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology
Describe your art in three words: Nostalgic, warm, timelessness
Your discipline: Neuroscience
Website | Instagram

How do you balance your dual life as a scientist and an artist?

“Scientist by day and artist for a lifetime,” is a quote I came up with because that is what I do. I prioritise most of my day on my research and speaking to patients. So any time I have outside of that, I will always be dedicated to my photography: taking photographs, developing the film, planning my social media content, interacting with my followers on Instagram and looking for exhibition opportunities. I am lucky I love what I do both as a scientist and an artist so fitting all of that in 24 hours of my day is not impossible. 
(Plus I never leave the house without my camera. If you look for beauty, you will always find it anywhere!) 

How does your scientific research influence your artistic vision and vice versa?

Greatly! Arts and sciences both allow me to integrate various skills into my investigative and creative processes in order to find new approaches, solutions and new ideas. Scientists and artists must be able to think outside the box and explore innovative possibilities using various thinking skills. 
As a scientist, I analyse data and observations to formulate meaningful conclusions, and theories and evaluate the validity of theories and hypotheses. With the research findings, I disseminate knowledge and promote understanding to people. 
As an artist, I analyse photo composition and colours to create harmonious work. I am constantly evaluating my work, seeking coherence, meaning, and emotional impact, and I aim to engage and provoke responses from viewers. 
Both allow me to focus on observations and perception to capture details, ideas and understanding of the world. That is the beauty of it, they simply just work together harmoniously. 

What drew you to analog photography, and what does it mean to you compared to digital methods?

I grew up with analog cameras in the 90s! I love browsing through my old photos and each time I do that, I can still feel the moment and feelings as if I went back in time. That is when I knew I had to bring back this feeling again in the present day. I live alone far from my loved ones so capturing moments with them on film is a way to keep them close to me.

The entire process of analog photography is so special.  From buying your film, loading it into your camera, and taking each photo mindfully as you typically only have about 36 shots per roll and the best part is developing the film! The element of surprise is also huge! You don’t know how the photo will turn out and sometimes, you don’t even know what you will find! Unlike in digital where you can take multiple shots and you also have the ability to browse through photos you have taken. I guess, analog photography reminds me to slow down in this fast-paced world. You take the time with the entire process to make something beautiful.

Hira Jalil, Santorini in gold

Can you share how you select and compose your shots?

2024 was a year of experimenting (just like my scientific research!) I love photographing everything, from people to objects to landscapes and despite the amazing responses I get on social media, it feels off and doesn’t feel like I am telling a story. Not until recently when I figured out street photography is my style. I don’t compose my shots. If I see something that sparks my curiosity and wonder and makes my heart feel warm, I will then shoot it. Planning your shots feels scripted and doesn’t feel right when you’re trying to capture the real present moment. Even if the photos turn out blurry or out of focus, it only makes it special in its way. Took me a while to appreciate the imperfections. But if you don’t like your work, how can others appreciate it? 

You describe your photography as “painting with natural light”. Could you elaborate on this concept?

I absolutely love playing with sunlight in my photography! If I am a painter, those golden rays are my favourite watercolour to use. You almost don’t see me photographing anything indoors or even at night. It made the photos feel warmer than the moment itself and, have I mentioned how much I love sunlight? Even my favourite film stock is “Kodak Gold 200.” 

What does timelessness in your photography signify for you as an artist?

I want to be able to tell beautiful stories through my photos that will last for hundreds of decades to come. Just like how I get to re-live my childhood all over again through my old photographs, I hope others can do the same in the future too when they look at my work especially long after they have forgotten everything.

What challenges do you face in merging your scientific career and artistic passions?

Thankfully I have not experienced any big challenges and I don’t think there ever will be as the marriage of science and art truly makes wonder. They both compliment my career and passion and I am grateful for that. There are days when it gets difficult at work and finding the drive to photograph something feels hard and forceful. When I am not enjoying or feeling the moment, the photos will not turn out well. Timing in winter can be a challenge too. Days are short and thus most of the time when it is bright outside, I will be indoors working on my research and thus missing capturing the golden moments. 

Hira Jalil, Lost in thoughts