Матрёшка Dolls
Exploring the topic of identity — a topic that is constantly in flux — by answering anonymous questions from people around me. This was an attempt at peeling off the layers of my sense of self, resembling the Russian Matryoshka dolls, until I’m left with a (somewhat) concrete idea of who I am.
Long exposures on 35mm black and white film. Paired with handwritten, scanned notes.
♡
Embrace all your fractured parts. They are trying their hardest to protect you.
What defines you as a person?
I’m a compilation of memories and feelings. I listen and observe, I like lists. I think I’m too quiet and loud at the same time.
Why do you photograph?
Everything looks better through a viewfinder.
How has your family shaped who you are?
My family has made me adamant about my opinions. They’re avid plastic surgery enthusiasts.
My aunt told me I’d never have a husband unless I got breast implants. Her vanity makes me frown.
Love isn’t a direct correlation to any body part.
Have you ever been in love? What’s the best memory you have with your boyfriend?
Maybe I’m too young but the chemical reactions in my brain tell me it’s love.
He bites his nails too. He made me breakfast in the afternoon once.
We dissected a starfish in Biology class together.
Have you ever self-harmed? (i.e. cutting, burned yourself, etc.)
To want control over your emotions so badly, to the point where you desire pain.
I used to tell my friend a lifeless blade shouldn’t control your life.
The thin silver lines hurt others more.
I hope it’s all teenage angst.
What is your most painful experience (mentally)?
When I think of my dad I smell beer and cologne. They fight when they’re together but I saw them kiss once and I kept wishing for a family of four, not three.
When I turned 13, I stopped wishing for a family.
What was your proudest moment?
Proud isn’t something I do often.