This photographic project is part of my research into photography as an artistic and curatorial practice. I am studying curation and view photography not just as a method of image creation, but also as a tool for analyzing visual culture. I am interested in how photography shapes our perception of space, memory, and human presence. The central theme of the project is identity, yet the human figure is almost absent from the frame. Instead of directly depicting a person, I address their traces: architectural details, shadows, objects, urban fragments, chance findings, and natural forms. Through these elements, the space begins to speak about the person, preserving the memory of their presence.
All photographs are rendered in monochrome. The abandonment of color allows focus on the image’s structure, the interplay of light and shadow, the rhythm of lines, and textures. This decision also enhances the sense of temporal uncertainty and encourages a more attentive perception of detail.
A significant guiding influence for me has been the work of the Russian photographer Alexander Slyusarev—one of the key figures in domestic photography of the latter half of the 20th century and a creator of the metaphysical photography concept. In his work, Slyusarev explored the mundane, transforming the simplest things—a wall, a window, a reflection, road markings, a shadow—into autonomous visual events. His photography is built upon an attention to light, geometry, texture, and the relationships between objects.
The phenomenon of metaphysical photography is tied to the search for hidden meanings within everyday reality. Unlike documentary photography, which strives to capture an event, metaphysical photography addresses states, sensations, and the relationships between things. The subject here exists simultaneously as a real object and as a sign, allowing for multiple interpretations. Researchers in this field define metaphysical photography as work with commonplace scenes where ordinary objects begin to be perceived symbolically and transcend their utilitarian function. Slyusarev’s idea resonates strongly with me: «I speak about place and the existence of people within it.» This phrase has become a key to understanding my project. My interest lies not in the person themselves, but in the space that holds the traces of their presence.
