Artist Statement
Kolenteyeva Natalya
Creative photographer. Lives and works in Khabarovsk (Khabarovsk Krai).
Topics:
Woman’s place in society, roles of women, female anatomy and physiology, psyche, female sexuality, and the stigmatization of female physiology, anatomy, and sexuality, feminism and woman’s place in history.
Media:
photography, media art
I worked as a commercial photographer for a long time, specializing in women’s portraiture. During these photoshoots, I interacted with women extensively, discussing their relationships within their families, at work, and with friends. We talked about their pain, grievances, and emotions. It was this work with women that sparked my interest in exploring the role of women in the modern world, studying women through the lens of history, as well as their anatomy, physiology, and psychology.
01
As a woman, I systematically experience the pressure of public opinion and the demand to conform to unattainable standards. This is what prompted me to study the female role and stereotypes. My studies led to the creation of photo projects in which I reflect my research through imagery, color, and text.
02
I have a medical background, and I’ve always been passionate about anatomy and physiology. Because of this, I notice the stigmatization broadcast in social media and the press, the stereotypes associated with the female body. All of this leads to unrealistic expectations for women. Therefore, through my photo projects, I ridicule stereotypes, and talk about the stigmatization of women’s physiological processes and her sexuality.
03
Facing postpartum depression, I began to study relationship psychology and the psyche to understand my illness. This led me to the realization that a lack of education in relationships and physiology leads to irreparable consequences for mental health, overall well-being, interpersonal relationships, and relationships between the sexes. Therefore, I started to talk about this through my photo projects, using clear and simple imagery.
04
As I have worked with color for a long time and studied its influence, all my photographs are in color. The composition is often built on color spots that speak for themselves, helping to delve deeper into the themes of feminism and women’s history.
My work is dedicated to women. Through photo projects, I explore sensuality, sexuality, the position of women in society, and stereotypes associated with femininity. My metaphors are as clear as textbooks. My humor and straightforwardness are traceable in all my projects.
Object of my research —
Woman, her body, sexuality, psyche.
In my projects, I explore the roles of women, the stigmatization of her physiology, her anatomy, as well as historical figures.
My photos —
This is a record of my research. Visual language doesn’t hit you over the head, but speaks to the viewer through imagery, metaphors, color, and comparisons.
I use everyday objects, clothing, dolls, and food, collage, and color to convey my opinion and thought to the viewer, to educate, as I believe that education is what can change attitudes towards women, their sexuality, and their bodies.