honorable mention
ANDJELA PRERADOVIC united states
title
Ethereal beauty
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entry description
My most recent photographic work is part of the ever-evolving exploration to find the meaning and comfort in being a woman. I often struggle to understand that even the most liberated environments are still very restrictive and judgmental of those who embrace their feminine qualities. As I was growing up under patriarchal ideals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I was greatly inspired by women who expressed themselves freely and went against these false norms imposed by many societies. It gave me the strength to always believe in my personal power. I aspire to contrast those norms by capturing the world of deep feminine beauty, embodied with all its qualities - strength, confidence, vulnerability, care, and intimacy. I find inspiration in spontaneity, movement, and great communion and support that I often feel when sharing with my fem peers. To express our deep human connection with nature I choose to photograph bodies in nudity. The details and grain of 35mm film further emphasize the simplicity and natural beauty of the human body. Crafting this project by using darkroom processes and my two hands allows me to significantly connect with the work and purity of analog photography.about the photographer
Andjela Preradovic is a visual artist currently based in Philadelphia. She was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina and moved to the United States to attend The University of the Arts. Growing up in an environment run by patriarchal ideals and one that heavily restricted women significantly influenced her work as an artist. While studying visual arts, Andjela became invested in experimenting with analog photography, and also became interested in hybrid filmmaking and mixed media art. Her photography focuses on investigating the ways in which one can find tranquility and strength outside the norms and imbalance of contemporary society. Through self-exploration and getting to know her subjects' experiences, she finds unique ways to represent the beauty and power of femininity with portrait photography.back to gallery