honorable mention
ARTEM NAZAROV united states
Photo © ARTEM NAZAROV
title
Inti Stole my Heart
As the sun's first rays pierce the horizon, illuminating the majestic peaks, the camera lens bears witness to the mystical gathering of devotees in the early morning light. The air is filled with anticipation and reverence as Ukuku performers, adorned in vibrant costumes and distinctive masks, take center stage.
The Ukukus, iconic figures in Andean folklore, serve as living embodiments of syncretism. Their colorful attire, a fusion of indigenous motifs and Christian symbols like crosses, speaks to the complex history of cultural blending that has shaped this region. With each step they take and every dance they perform, the Ukukus bridge the gap between ancient beliefs and colonial influence.
In 2003, after specializing in Intellectual Property law at the Moscow School of Social and Economic Science, Nazarov immigrated to the United States. He moved to Atlanta in 2008 to continue his education at the Portfolio Center, with a concentration in photography.
Nazarov finds inspiration in the stories of people from all over the world whom he meets during his travels and assignments. He believes photography is a spectacular way to explore the world, enriching and transforming life beyond the threshold of perceived reality.
Artem teaches Visual Story Telling at Miami Ad School and is a Board Member of Good Thinking Atlanta
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entry description
"Inti Stole My Heart," captures the soul-stirring ceremonies dedicated to the Inca deities Inti (the Sun God) and Pachamama (Mother Earth). Set against the backdrop of the remote Peruvian mountains, this project explores the enduring spirit of syncretism, where ancient indigenous traditions intertwine with Christian influences.As the sun's first rays pierce the horizon, illuminating the majestic peaks, the camera lens bears witness to the mystical gathering of devotees in the early morning light. The air is filled with anticipation and reverence as Ukuku performers, adorned in vibrant costumes and distinctive masks, take center stage.
The Ukukus, iconic figures in Andean folklore, serve as living embodiments of syncretism. Their colorful attire, a fusion of indigenous motifs and Christian symbols like crosses, speaks to the complex history of cultural blending that has shaped this region. With each step they take and every dance they perform, the Ukukus bridge the gap between ancient beliefs and colonial influence.
about the photographer
Artem Nazarov grew up in Penza, Western Russia. The son of a photographer, he was surrounded by his father’s cameras throughout his childhood and has always felt at home in a darkroom. These early experiences stirred his curiosity and sparked his love for and pursuit of photography as a profession.In 2003, after specializing in Intellectual Property law at the Moscow School of Social and Economic Science, Nazarov immigrated to the United States. He moved to Atlanta in 2008 to continue his education at the Portfolio Center, with a concentration in photography.
Nazarov finds inspiration in the stories of people from all over the world whom he meets during his travels and assignments. He believes photography is a spectacular way to explore the world, enriching and transforming life beyond the threshold of perceived reality.
Artem teaches Visual Story Telling at Miami Ad School and is a Board Member of Good Thinking Atlanta
back to gallery
