Artist Statement
My art is a dialogue with memory, symbols, and archetypes. I create images inspired by cultural codes, theatrical characters, mythology, and personal recollections. For me, photography is not just about capturing reality but about translating inner experiences into a visual language where every element—from light to textiles—becomes part of the story.
My creative process is spontaneous. Ideas often emerge unexpectedly—through a found object, a random pattern, or a play of light and shadow. I incorporate handmade elements, crafting headpieces, hats, costume details, and working with natural materials, enhancing them with subtle digital processing. It’s essential for me to preserve the tactile feel of the image and its connection to time.
Femininity, identity, and cultural heritage are central themes in my work. I explore how the past intertwines with the present, how the images that live within us manifest through art. My characters serve as guides between worlds—between reality and dream, tradition and modernity.
Art, for me, is not a planned process but an organic flow where the images find me rather than the other way around. I create because I cannot do otherwise.
Bio
Vasilisa Moruga is a fine art photographer whose work merges cultural heritage, personal narratives, and theatrical imagery. Born in Norilsk, Russia, she has been living and creating in the United States for over 15 years. Her artistic journey has been shaped by a lifelong passion for craftsmanship, storytelling, and visual expression.
With a background in various forms of art—ranging from textile design and ceramics to illustration and silver jewelry making—Vasilisa brings a multidisciplinary approach to her photography. Her images often incorporate handmade elements, intricate costumes, and carefully curated props, reflecting her deep appreciation for materiality and texture.
Vasilisa’s work explores themes of femininity, identity, memory, and myth. Her portraits are rich with symbolism, drawing inspiration from history, folklore, and personal recollections. She is continuously evolving her artistic language, actively studying fine art photography under leading mentors and experimenting with new techniques to push the boundaries of her visual storytelling.
Her practice is deeply intuitive, with each image emerging organically—sometimes from a found object, an old photograph, or a fleeting moment of inspiration. Whether through staged self-portraits or conceptual storytelling, Vasilisa creates visual narratives that invite the viewer to pause, reflect, and connect with the emotional depth within her work.
