Interview: Masha Raymers
Luca Curci talks with Masha Raymers, one of the selected artists of VISIONS – CANVAS INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2023, held in Venice at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

Masha Raymers is an art photographer from Lviv, Ukraine. She is 24 years old and she has been taking photographs for 9 years. It`s been her passion since her teen years. But she is an architectural restorer by profession. After she finished studying she worked a lot to become a professional art photographer. She is still working in Lviv and also worldwide.

Luca Curci – How did you get into photography? Do you remember why you took your first professional photo?
Masha Raymers – For the first time, I encountered photography in my teenage years. My grandfather loved to take pictures, so after he died, my grandmother decided to give me a camera for my birthday, so that I might be interested in photography as he was. And from the first frames I was fascinated by this activity. My first professional photo was taken a long time ago, but I remember the excitement I had when I was able to get a quality picture of what I wanted to portray. It inspired me and motivated me to work even harder.

LC – According to you, what makes a good photo? Which details do you focus on?
MR – In my opinion, it must be one of two things: either an idea that the author is trying to embody in his shooting or an ephemeral moment that will never happen again. I try to rely on this during my filming. I try to focus on the most minor details that can seem beautiful to me. It could be the light falling beautifully and creating some highlights, it could be the color I saw on the flower petals. Usually, these details lead me to ideas for photos.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
MR – The most difficult thing is probably to come up with such a concept that would not be similar to others. Come up with an idea that has not been implemented before. Art is quite cyclical, but I believe and hope that I will still find such themes in creativity that no one has done before me.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
MR – Most of all, I like to embody some conceptual ideas, such as the union of man with nature, self-acceptance, and self-love. I also like to work with the atmosphere in the frame and use light in a special way. These topics affect me the most in my work. My favourite subject is shooting artistic portraits.

LC – How is being an artist nowadays?
MR – Being an artist today, in my country, is quite difficult. I come from Ukraine, so since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine, there has been a huge crisis in the country, the first time was very difficult because people were focused on completely different things and did not care about art at all. In general, things are better now, but working in the context of war is a complex phenomenon in itself. But people try to distract themselves with art, so I think it even helps others to some extent.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you?
MR – I believe that the topic raised at this exhibition and its purpose is very relevant. Our society is constantly changing, identities are changing, and we are also constantly evolving. Therefore, it is very important to capture these moments with an exhibition. I am inspired by the very theme of the exhibition, so even I would be interested to look at the works of the participants now and in a few years, or even decades. As your organization says “everything is liquid”.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this event? How is it connected to the theme of the entire exhibition?
MR – I think these works also represent a part of our society to some extent, especially such topical works as “Tenderness” and “Be Yourself”. They show how relevant the coverage of beauty in all forms is now and how important it is for everyone to feel close to these topics.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
MR – I think it’s actually a really cool opportunity to show different art people who are making contemporary art right now. Such platforms are very important, as they imprint events that will later become part of the art history of the 21st century.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
MR – I think that the organization is at the highest level, everything is chosen perfectly: the location, and communication with the organizers. I think it will be very powerful.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
MR – Yes, I would definitely recommend your organization to other creators and people interested in art. It is a great platform to touch the latest art and see it for what it is.