Photographer based in London, UK
Ekaterina Zhingel, Portrait of the photographer
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
I was born in the Kostroma region, Russia. Now I am based in London. I learned the technique and history of photography in the Faculty of Journalism of Moscow State University. I used to work as a reportage photographer. But then I graduated from the School of Contemporary Art "Free Workshops" of the Moscow Museum of Modern Art and began to create more conceptual projects. Now conceptual photography is my favourite.
from the series "Untitled" (photography, 2022)
"For my last series, inspiration was a fantastic theory about the nonlinearity of time. What would happen if time did not go from the past to the future and all events could be simultaneous?"
from the series "Untitled" (photography, 2022)
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
For my last series, inspiration was a fantastic theory about the nonlinearity of time. What would happen if time did not go from the past to the future and all events could be simultaneous? In my opinion, it may be very similar to when we are scared or angry but can't show it physically.
In series "You don't hold yourself up" and "Untitled", I speak about an experience that Russian citizens have had in the last few years. We permanently feel strong emotions about what happens around us in our country: anger, fear, sadness. That feeling became a usual background for our life. And, of course, it is transforming us.
My character is trying by all means to fix himself, to stop the movement. Sometimes, as a result of this inner work, mutations occur that turn the character into something new, unlike himself.
In another my series "Take a photo of me here", I asked my friends to make a photo of me in different places. There are unknown streets for me and places of my childhood. So now I have these photos, I kept this moment for myself and left no trace. This photo is the only proof of my presence at this place. So I think, maybe photography is the only proof of our life in general?
from the series "Untitled" (photography, 2022)
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
I am looking for material everywhere. I like watching films, series and anime and reading popular science literature, for example. Also, of course, I am inspired by the artworks of other artists. I like to explore how the author thought when he created his work.
from the series "You don't hold yourself up" (photography, 2020 - 2021)
Describe your practice and process. Where do ideas start for you? In the studio or being in the world?
Usually, it comes suddenly. I learn new facts and then try to imagine them in another situation. For example, I was inspired by the fantasy about time, but through metaphor I make a series about emotions. It is a very interesting game, I think. I like the process.
from the series "You don't hold yourself up" (photography, 2020 - 2021)
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
Yes, I do sketches and try to imagine every detail of a future photo. Then I look for a model and ideal place for an idea. Before shooting, I usually brief a model and explain what we need to do. And then we do everything differently, of course 🙂
from the series "Take a picture of me here" (photography, 2020 - 2021)
Do you have your own studio ritual? What does that look like for you?
I have a special playlist with Placebo and Tom Yorke. I think every my series were created with their songs.
Who are your biggest influences?
I have a lot of them, I think. For example, I am a fan of Lucas Blalock, Gregory Crewdson, Asger Carlsen, Cindy Sherman.
from the series "Take a picture of me here" (photography, 2020 - 2021)
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
How I said before I like popular science literature and films. It is a huge source of inspiration for me. For example, books of Steven Hoking or Michio Kaku. Also, very often I read books about history and philosophy of photography for inspiration.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
One of my teachers said that it is ok to recreate one project a lot of times. One idea can have a lot of versions. I think it is a very good advise.
from the series "Take a picture of me here" (photography, 2020 - 2021)
Stay up to date with Ekaterina Zhingel
Instagram @ezhingel
ekaterina-zhingel.tilda.ws