Galina Kurlat: Diana, Printed 2022

This series embraces the imperfections inherent to antiquated photographic processes, transforming traditional portrait photography from the representational to the ephemeral. 

Chemistry, dust, and the passage of time interact with the image, marking the negative, and degrading the film's information. Much like flesh, the negatives change. Recognizable features fade, gestures disappear, obscuring the subject’s identity. Chemistry serves as a veil, forcing the viewer to look through and to look deeper. 

The making of an image is an intimate performance choreographed instantly, although the photograph will continue to evolve. These fragile moments are orchestrated but not confined by the traditional portrait-making process. There is tension and sensuality to the photographs. Darkness enfolds the figure, while light directs the viewer's gaze. They are psychological explorations of intimacy, uncertainty, and chance.