Interview: Eva Lanska
Luca Curci talks with Eva Lanska during the LONDON CONTEMPORARY 2022 – 4TH EDITION, at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

Eva Lanska is a London-based film director, screenwriter and video artist. She graduated from the Faculty of Journalism and became the author of five published novels. In 2005, Atoll Music France record label released an album of French songs performed by Eva. Music videos were made for selected songs from the album and during the process of shooting  Eva got interested in directing which ultimately has grown into a real passion of hers. Art, literature, French cinematography and the atmosphere of Paris influenced her while she was a student and this became the foundation of all her work. Currently, she lives in the UK where she is engaged in producing feature and documentary films. After graduating from the London Film Academy in 2017 where she studied Cinematography, Eva shot her first film ‘Ok, Mum’. The film was selected by the Cannes Film Festival in the Short Conner and the Russian Pavilion programmes in Cannes Film Festival. Throughout the year, ‘Ok, Mum’ won numerous awards in both America and Europe. Her student film ‘Dependent’ won accolades at both the California Film Awards and the Canada Shorts Film Festival. In 2019, Eva finished her latest film ‘Little French Fish’. The film was shot in Paris and stared famous British actors Jonas Khan and Devora Wilde. In 2021, Eva directed a new documentary, “The Abraham Accords Change History: Women in the Middle East.” She is currently working on a new feature film, “I’m Not an Actress“, inspired by Brigitte Bardot.

LC – According to you, what makes a good photo? Which details do you focus on?
EL – It is known from experiments that the same scene shot by different photographers, even with a camera that is in a fixed position, will always differ. After all, any object of art, including photography, is a confession of the soul of the artist. As one of my most important authorities, Leonardo da Vinci, said: “Where the spirit does not lead the artist’s hand, there is no art.” Returning to the concept of a quality photograph… First of all, photography is the play of light with the artist’s imagination. The ability to notice the differences and find harmony and balance in the incidence of light on an object creates a difference in image quality.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
EL – My main inspiration is always people. Exploring different cultures and traditions always nourishes my searching artistic eye. I love new acquaintances and never cease to be amazed by the versatility of human nature. I think that my curiosity about an artist is one of my main sources of inspiration.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
EL – When the work is completed, I feel anxious. I will not deny that a very exciting moment for me is always the reaction of the viewer. As Friedrich Schiller said, “When admiring the picture, we forget about the artist…this is the most sophisticated praise for him”.

LC – How is being an artist nowadays?
EL – Being an artist is not easy. This profession does not give guarantees or stability and is always full of unpredictability. Only people who simply cannot do otherwise and do not imagine themselves away from art can work in this field.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition? In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the exhibition’s theme?
EL – I think the connection is significant. The various works that have been selected by your curator bind all artists with radiance and positive light. After all, the theme of my work is mutual assistance, sisterhood, understanding and the desire to change the world for the better. I wish you success and even greater heights in the future.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
EL – I think that the ITSLIQUID project is completely unique and has brought together completely different artists from all parts of the world on a grand scale. Most importantly, this is a great chance for artists to show their work to the world. Thank you for your invaluable contribution.