An iterview with Alexandra Polina - finalist 2011

23 December 2013

Originally from Uzbekistan, Alexandra Polina studied Journalism at the National University of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Having moved to Germany in 2006, the artist is presently studying Art and Design at the University of Applied Science in Bielefeld.

The main body of her work has focused on migration, in particular its complex social and emotional dimension. Having spent most of her life in Uzbekistan, Alexandra moved to Europe aged 21 for what she defines a ‘life-changing experience’. It is this personal account questioning the concept of identity that Alexandra Polina was presented to the 2011 YOUMANITY photography award.

YOUMANITY asked Alexandra Polina the following questions:

How did you get into photography?

I studied journalism in Uzbekistan. When I came to Germany, I knew I wouldn’t have a grasp of the German language - writing therefore wasn’t such a viable option. When I found out about a photography course, I jumped at the opportunity. Studying photography has been a revelation: it is not just about recording observations, it is an art form.

What kind of equipment do you use?

I use a Hasselblad film camera a lot and Canon 5D Mark II for digital work. I prefer film - it has a certain magic that cannot be achieved with pixels.

You are originally from Uzbekistan and have lived in Germany for the past six years. How smooth has the integration process been thus far? What do you miss from the old country?

I am not sure integration can ever be smooth. It’s like starting a new life from scratch. You feel like a child who has to learn to speak, walk and understand rules and regulations. It takes an awful lot of patience, but if you can overcome this transition, you can achieve whatever you want. I really miss Uzbek hospitality, the places from my younger days, and, of course, the delicious food!

For Accademia Apulia Photography Award 2011 you submitted an essay on your family house ‘inside out’, that is, you placed your family and family objects outside the house. What motivated this work?

Moving to another country has had a great impact on my life. I wanted to share with others this experience, but found that often people don't notice what is visible on the outside, which is precisely the point in my work. I wanted to show something that was subtle, not visible at first. My work represents the emotional cost of migration and integration.

What has been the most gratifying moment of your career to date?

It was an exhibition “Ausblicke – Migration in OWL” in WDR-Studio, Bielefeld. It was a great opportunity to showcase my work.

As a visual story-teller, what do you look for in terms of themes/locations?

Most social themes have a personal relevance for me and I always need a lot of time to find the right way to visualize them. I spend some considerable time researching until an image starts to take form. In order to find the right location I walk around with my camera, take pictures and analyse them. Preparation is a big part of my work. Creating a photo is like a puzzle, every detail is important - location, protagonist(s), styling, light and colours.

Is there a photographer past/present that you particularly admire?

I really like the work of a Netherlands' artist, Viviane Sassen. I admire the way she approaches theme, direct, without clichés.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on my BA project. It's about the last generation in the former USSR.

What is your next dream?

I would like to find very strong images for my BA project.

What advice do you have for other aspiring photographers?

Indulge your senses by looking at as many stimulating images as possible and set your imagination free to create your own masterpieces.

______________________________________________________________________________