Interview: Aleksandra Vizin
Luca Curci talks with Aleksandra Vizin during VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR – 17th edition held in Venice, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

Aleksandra Vizin is a creative director and photographer residing in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. From a young age, Aleksandra displayed an inclination towards a non-commercial approach to everyday life, opting for a distinct style and often unconventional attitudes. She explored various professions, including roles as a TV and magazine editor, journalist, producer, and marketing director, all the while experimenting with different forms of artistic hobbies. During the quarantine amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Aleksandra found solace and escape in the realm of photography. The period of isolation allowed her to delve into her passion for photography and nurture her talent. Aleksandra approaches photography with raw authenticity, using minimal post-production techniques. She moulds imagination with reality, employing contrast as her primary tool. Photography, to her, is a form of powerful communication, conveying strong messages. She often incorporates costumes, develops characters, and weaves stories into her work. Unbound by strict rules, she embraces surprise, and freedom, and through her art, she invites us to embrace the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Luca Curci – How did you get into photography? Do you remember why you took your first professional photo?
Aleksandra Vizin – Photography emerged as a result of, simply put, boredom that became prevalent during the coronavirus pandemic. Quarantine, infrequent meetings with friends, circumscribed movement, and the surplus of time spent indoors impel me into action, to harness the excess vitality within. I had, in the past, captured a multitude of moments with my mobile phone, garnering occasional acclaim, so I thought it was time to try something more substantial. Basically, I happened to have an unused room in my apartment, so I reached out to one of the local photo companies, asking them to send me a “starter – kit”. When they inquired, “What would you like to photograph?” I enthusiastically replied, “EVERYTHING!” (laughs). In essence, I knew next to nothing about photography then, and truth be told, sometimes I feel I’m not much more knowledgeable now (laughs).

LC – According to you, what makes a good photo? Which details do you focus on?
AV – I’m not a fan of commercial photography that relies solely on an often exaggerated aesthetic impression, devoid of substance beyond its form with a facade lacking in depth. I’m drawn to contrast, the marriage of unconventional pairs, an unexpected combination of elements that stand in opposition yet harmonize brilliantly side by side. I love costumes, elaborate sets, makeup, the pushing of boundaries, and challenging the norms that confine creativity. In these subtleties, I unearth the profound essence of my art that defies tradition and slips into the boundless realm of the extraordinary. Yet, just as convincingly, a classic, simple black-and-white photograph of an empty street can be equally captivating… if the stars align just right (laughs).

LC – How do you choose your subjects? Is it a reasoned or an instinctive process?
AV – I don’t select my themes; they choose me. The process is entirely instinctual, a realm that defies easy explanation in words. Everything unfolds swiftly, and I quickly assemble together the fragments of the envisioned picture. The creative part is, surprisingly, the simplest; I have more ideas than I can possibly bring to life. Particularly because my visions are pretty much unconventional, I often find myself stuck, struggling to find models willing to be part of often not commonplace concepts.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it your medium of expression?
AV – Individuality is to be celebrated. Beauty has many definitions. It’s not obligatory to create commercially or to embellish reality in order to be recognized; there’s incredible value in pursuing art for art’s sake. So, for me, the most significant challenge lies in pushing the boundaries within boundaries. I don’t premeditate about messages intended to be shared; after all, we all perceive the world through different eyes. My sole want is to infuse imagination with the breath of reality through the lens. One simply creates, and that’s all there is to it.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
AV – Usually thrilled immediately after. Two days later, I disliked everything about it (laughs). I’m very self-critical; valuing my own judgment more than others. But that’s one way to progress, being aware that you can and must always strive for improvement.

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, has the artwork presented been created for the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works?
AV – The photography “Broken”, displayed at the Venice Art Fair, is a part of the previously created series titled “Stay Fresh”

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
AV – As one of the visitors at the Venice Art Fair I saw several outstanding original artworks. The entire exhibition was curated in a highly cohesive, interconnected, and uniform style.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
AV – Certainly. It’s a significant network of professionals that can be a fantastic opportunity for any artist, especially those striving for recognition and affirmation.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us? 
AV – I am grateful for the exceptional collaboration and would say the overall impression is genuinely positive.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
AV – From my own experience so far, I can conclude that having a platform like this is welcoming for everyone who loves art.