FOTEINI ZAGLARA | “JE EST UNE AUTRE”

“My work is not just about creating beautiful images but also aims to spark conversations and provoke thought. I want my viewers to be captivated by my art, to feel transported to another world, and to come away with a deeper understanding of the complex issues we face as a society.”
– Foteini Zaglara

Foteini Zaglara (b.1995) is a self-portrait artist from Athens, Greece. She graduated from the University of Ioannina in the Department of Early Childhood Education. Through the years, she developed a profound passion for photography. Her work explores concepts of fantasy and surrealism, and photography has allowed her to tell personal stories and dive deep into the world of emotions. Her unique artistic style is distinguished in many international photography competitions and has been exhibited in Europe and USA.

“In my photography journey, I have found inspiration in the diverse realm of art. From a young age, I discovered the profound impact of storytelling, which became a driving force in my creative pursuits. However, when I stumbled upon photography at age twenty, I realized its potential as my true artistic medium.”
– Foteini Zaglara

“From a young age, I was always fascinated by the art of storytelling in all its forms. It wasn’t until I discovered photography at the age of twenty that I found my creative calling. Since then, my work has been heavily influenced by the art world, from classic paintings to modern cinema.
My passion for photography eventually led me to discover the captivating world of self-portraiture, which has become my preferred medium for telling my stories and exploring the depths of human emotions. Through surreal and otherworldly images, I seek to convey complex ideas related to identity, emotion, and the pressing social and global issues that define our times.
My work is not just about creating beautiful images but also aims to spark conversations and provoke thought. I want my viewers to be captivated by my art, to feel transported to another world, and to come away with a deeper understanding of the complex issues we face as a society.
Photography is not just a hobby or a job; it is a way of life, a means of expressing myself and exploring the boundless possibilities of the human imagination. I am excited to continue pushing my craft’s boundaries and see where this artistic journey takes me next.”

“JE EST UNE AUTRE”

This series is an ongoing collection comprised of self-portraits since 2018. Each anthropocentric photograph states a story, revealing the different aspects of the individual’s personality and subjective identity.
The idea of the project coincides with the syntactic oddity of Rimbaud’s famous phrase
“Je est un autre” – I is another, as through introspection, we manage to “objectify” ourselves by experiencing our “being” as something detached from us. Placing the self in the story and identity of another personality (“persona”) is fascinating and simultaneously revealing, as each personality acquires its own entity without necessarily being identified with elements of the artist’s own personality.
The intense presence of the directorial element combined with the use of creative props, makeup, and vintage clothing enhance the narration and dramatic perspective of the images.

Getting To Know: Foteini Zaglara

“I believe in the importance of individual expression and strive to develop my own distinct style. Nevertheless, I appreciate the work of other photographers and find inspiration in their creative approaches, compositions, and storytelling techniques.”

Lens Magazine: Please share the background of your photography journey. Did you grow up in a creative environment? What led you to the fine art photography field?

Foteini Zaglara: In my photography journey, I have found inspiration in the diverse realm of art. From a young age, I discovered the profound impact of storytelling, which became a driving force in my creative pursuits. However, when I stumbled upon photography at age twenty, I realized its potential as my proper artistic medium.
While I didn’t grow up in a particularly creative environment, my fascination with visual expression led me to explore photography. I was captivated by the art form’s ability to capture emotions and narratives, and I quickly gravitated toward self-portraiture to convey my own stories through surreal imagery.
Themes of identity, emotions, and social and global issues have become integral to my photographic work. I strive to create thought-provoking and meaningful images that inspire and transform viewers. Fine art photography is a powerful tool for capturing the essence of the human experience and raising awareness about important issues. It allows me to tell stories and initiate meaningful dialogues about our world. This is where my passion for photography truly lies.

Lens Magazine: Where your inspiration comes from? Is your artistic style influenced by other photographers or a specific art field?

Foteini Zaglara: My inspiration comes from various art fields. I draw inspiration from multiple sources, including paintings, cinema, literature, social issues, etc. Each art form offers unique perspectives and techniques that inform and enrich my photographic work. While my artistic style is influenced by other photographers to some extent, it is not solely defined by them. I believe in the importance of individual expression and strive to develop my own distinct style.
Nevertheless, I appreciate the work of other photographers and find inspiration in their creative approaches, compositions, and storytelling techniques.

Lens Magazine: Tell us about the workflow process from the step of the idea until the final outcome. Which program do you use for editing? Do you see post-processing as the primary time investment in your work?

Foteini Zaglara: My workflow process begins with the idea that sparks my imagination, often inspired by something that catches my attention or evokes a particular emotion. Once the idea takes shape in my mind, I begin the planning stage.
During the planning stage, I sketch out the concept and gather the necessary props, makeup, hair styling, and clothing that align with the vision I have in mind. This preparation ensures I have everything I need to bring the idea to life during the shooting process. Regarding the actual shoot, I bring my concept to fruition. However, sometimes during the shooting process, I may encounter unexpected challenges or realize that certain elements I believed would work must be adjusted. Flexibility and adaptation are essential in these moments, allowing me to make necessary changes on the spot to achieve the desired outcome.
Once the shooting is complete, I move into the post-processing phase. For editing, I primarily use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. These programs provide me with the tools and flexibility to enhance my photographs’ mood, colors, and overall aesthetic. Post-processing is essential to my work, as it allows me to fine-tune the images and bring out the desired visual impact. While post-processing is a significant part of my workflow, I wouldn’t consider it the primary time investment in my work. The initial stages of idea generation, planning, and the actual shooting process also require considerable time and effort. Each step contributes to the final outcome, with post-processing serving as the final touch to bring the images to their full potential.

“My workflow process begins with the idea that sparks my imagination, often inspired by something that catches my attention or evokes a particular emotion. Once the idea takes shape in my mind, I begin the planning stage.
During the planning stage, I sketch out the concept and gather the necessary props, makeup, hair styling, and clothing that align with the vision I have in mind. This preparation ensures I have everything I need to bring the idea to life during the shooting process.”

Lens Magazine: From your personal journey in the fine art photography field, what will be your advice for the young photographer looking for a way of development?

Foteini Zaglara: My advice to young photographers seeking development in fine art photography is to prioritize practice and embrace trial and error. Regular practice hones technical skills and helps refine the artistic vision. Embrace experimentation, and learn from mistakes. Be patient, persistent, and trust in your unique vision. Enjoy the creative journey and have confidence in your abilities.

Lens Magazine: What’s the future hold? Any special exhibitions in the upcoming months?

Foteini Zaglara: I’m currently thrilled to be part of a group exhibition at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. In the upcoming months, I have some exciting shows lined up. I’ll have my first solo exhibition at The Environment Museum of Stymphalia in September during the International Corinthian Photo Festival. Additionally, as one of the winners, I’m honored to participate in the Photometria Festival in Ioannina, the XIV Florence Biennale in Florence, the BIFA exhibition( Budapest International Foto Awards) in Budapest, and the Fresh Eyes International exhibition in Amsterdam.

See the full article in Lens Magazine Issue #105