Viktoria Andreeva is a fine-art photographer, born and raised in Bulgaria. As a former ballet dancer, her love and passion for the art of movement have deeply influenced her aesthetic view. In 2015 she moved to Vienna to study Photography and Audiovisual Media at the College of Arts Die Graphische. Meanwhile, she started working on one of her biggest projects – a book about the many faces of ballet, containing personal interviews and photographic work of six professional dancers from the Vienna State Opera.
She is not only using the body as the main composition element but she plays with opposites that only contradict each other at first sight. The distortion of the figure blurs the line between reality and illusion, natural and artificial. The main goal is to interact with the viewer and to open up a field for interpretation of the narrative.
Self-taught or art school?
I studied Photography and Audiovisual Media at the College of Arts Die Graphische in Vienna. I think it is a combination of both. I have learned many valuable lessons during my studies, but I was also constantly exploring new ways to expand my skills and find my visual language.
Coming to live in this beautiful city full of art and culture was a dream come true for me. I couldn’t be happier about making this decision. Frankly, this had a lot to do with my first big passion as a child, which was classical ballet. When I came to Vienna, I was so excited to visit the famous Vienna State Opera and to see the graceful dancers perform on stage. Fortunately, in my second year of university, I started working on one of my biggest projects – a book about the lives of six professional dancers from the Opera. I got to not only enjoy being at the performance but also have a glimpse behind the curtains.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
I would say Untitled(Ophelia) by Gregory Crewdson. This masterpiece is from his Twilight series. For me, it was an instant connection at first sight. I feel it evokes the full spectrum of emotions – beauty, sadness, nostalgia, stillness, a feeling of eternity.
How would you describe your style?
As a former ballet dancer, body language has always been one of my biggest passions. That is why the figure plays such a significant role in my photography.
I often observe and capture its curves in an abstract and surreal manner, seeking to emphasize the body as a sculptural composition element. The distortion of its shapes blurs the line between reality and illusion, natural and artificial. By hiding and revealing parts of it, I try to create a mystical world and leave open questions for the observer. I view rebirth, creation, and metamorphosis as the core of human identity and aim to incorporate them in my work through floral motives.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
It could vary a lot depending on the piece I am working on. Sometimes I have a specific concept in mind and start building it up. But other times, I also like to let myself experiment. I am very interested in surrealism and this is why the editing process plays a vital role in my workflow.
Is narrative important within your work?
Narrative is definitely important to me. I strive to tell a story with my photography through colours, composition, shapes, and symbols. Every piece I create is based on both introspection and exploration. Introspection of my own thoughts and feelings; and exploration of Identity in all of its subconscious layering.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
Many photographers had a profound influence on my work as I was growing up. One of them is the Bulgarian photographer Ivailo Sakelariev. He focuses on Fine-art nude photography and has received international recognition throughout his career. I am very thankful to him for the constant inspiration and support.
One of my favourite contemporary choreographers is Damien Jalet. I was completely mesmerized when I saw one of his performances for the first time. I love his unique approach to body language and composition.
Some of the visual artists I greatly admire are Gregory Crewdson, Spencer Tunick, Adam Martinakis, Evelyn Bencicova, Brooke DiDonato. Of course, there are also many other artists from different creative fields such as dancers, painters, sculptures, musicians.
What or who inspires your art?
My inspiration comes from all over, but it is often that I find it in everyday situations. It could be the shadow and light projected on the wall at home or a colour palette I see in nature. My visual language is influenced a lot by sculptures, dance, painting, and 3D design. In a lot of ways, art is a reflection of our senses altogether. Each new circumstance we face broadens our perception of the world around us, which affects the way we create.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
I book a studio if needed. But many of the projects I create in my home studio using strobes. It can be challenging to create in a smaller space, but I feel this makes you analyse the light and reflections further.
I remember my first flat in Vienna. I was living in a small room, where I didn’t have any direct light coming in. I was trying out that much harder to find the best solution and this gave me a lot of freedom afterwards. This is when I started to experiment more with compositing.
Do you have any studio rituals?
I wouldn’t say I have particular rituals. If I am creating a self-portrait, I enjoy being by myself, listening to music, and exploring different poses and concepts.
What are you working on currently?
Recently I have been working on my latest self-portrait series and on some projects for galleries. I also started exploring 3D design. I am very excited to see where this journey takes me and how it would affect my aesthetics.
Where can we buy your art?
You can contact me directly via my website, Behance, or my Instagram page. I am also planning to launch some of my works on Saatchi Art in the following months.
If you are interested to see more of my projects, feel free to visit my website and follow me on social media:
