Journey Into Thyself

• Prize
  Silver in People/Self-Portrait
• Photographer
  Galina Semenova
• Photo Date
  December 2020 - January 2021

I spent a lot of time with myself, contemplating and questioning different aspects of my life, particularly the rules and boundaries I set for myself. A key part of my process involves inquiry and reflection. Growing up in post-Soviet Russia I subscribed to the traditional conventions and I have realized today I don't fit the traditional Russian mold. This self-portrait series is the sum of a deep introspective process that led to the empowerment of me as a woman. I found respect, immersive beauty, and personal power by uncovering myself, petal after petal sitting with myself, accepting.

Gala Semenova is a self-taught Fine Art Photographer who lives and works in San Diego, California. She was born in Tula, Russia in 1981 and relocated to the States in 2009. In her art Gala is after the freshness and wonder of the spirit. She recognizes inner beauty and resilience in every human being and reflects it by capturing the true spirit of a person, amplifying and revealing something personal. With each portrait, she aims to reveal the vulnerability inside to allow space for recognition, healing, and empowerment. Gala’s work is inspired by colors, emotions, and feelings.