Portrait of My Land: Viktorija Stapone

Lacey Contemporary Gallery is proud to present Viktorija Stapone in her first solo photographic exhibition and book launch with the gallery, Portrait of My Land. Viktorija Stapone will be presenting a collection of her photographic prints that will also be featured in her newly released photo book with the same title. Stapone’s passion for photography along with her imaginative artistry in capturing the harmony between the human figure and nature beyond skin deep embodies the book and exhibition.

Growing up consumed by the prevalence of nature, Stapone found herself engulfed in travelling, wandering, and observing all of nature’s offerings. By challenging and awakening our senses, Stapone uses photography with the intention of it to be felt passed what is simply seen on the surface.

Stapone describes this exhibition and book as a portrait of the artists inner world, with all her fears exposed, as she searches for her own meaning. Viktorija considers this exhibition and book to be autobiographical with each photograph described as a psychological self-portrait. Even though each is presented through a different person, they reflect the inner experiences of the artist herself. They are like open letters to people admitting all the artists fears and dark stains upon her life.

Stapone is a portrait photographer from Lithuania. In 2016, Stapone was the first place winner of the Portrait Prize during the, I AM PHOTOGRAPHER Festival. Through the use of photographic portraiture, Stapone reveals the human form through nature and vice versa. This is depicted through the portrayed characters and their interaction with the landscape. In her body of work, the human form is visually connected to the wilderness and often even completes the body form through line and shape.

The purity and rawness of the depicted surrounding is contrasted with the aesthetic and staged quality of the imagery. It is through Stapone’s deliberate intent shows the physical and metaphysical connection. The expression of the characters reflects a meditative state, a sense of belonging or yearning. Emphasising the omnipotence of nature, the body is stripped down from materialistic embellishments and illustrated in positions that indicate vulnerability and completion. Behind the monochromatic simplicity behind Portrait of My Land, Stapone uncovers and juxtaposes the elaborate qualities of the environment with organic human psyche.