Alena Solomonova Deconstructs Identity in Self-Portraits
Alena Solomonova, a visual artist from Slovenia, explores the idea of identity as something that’s constantly changing and fragmented through her self-portraits. She uses a mix of materials like collage, tearing, threads, glass, and natural elements. Born in the Soviet Union, Alena started out in economics and finance but shifted to photography during the pandemic after taking an online course. Now studying at the Higher School of Photography in Slovenia, her work has received recognition from awards like the Paris Photo Prize and the ND Awards 2025. Influenced by artists like Cindy Sherman, her projects, including "Discrete State" and "Beside Myself," tackle issues like aging, femininity, and her immigrant experience.
Key facts
- Alena Solomonova is a Slovenia-based visual artist working in photography, self-portraiture, and mixed media.
- She was born in the Soviet Union and studied economics before working as a financial specialist.
- She discovered photography through an online mobile photography course during the pandemic.
- She is currently studying at the Higher School of Photography in Slovenia.
- Her work has been recognized by the Paris Photo Prize, ND Awards 2025, Experimental Hub Barcelona, and LensCulture Art Photography Awards 2026.
- She cites Cindy Sherman as a key influence and admires the films of Yorgos Lanthimos.
- Her self-portraits use physical interventions such as collage, tearing, threads, glass, and organic materials.
- She describes identity as an unstable structure that can never be fully represented.
Entities
Artists
- Alena Solomonova
- Cindy Sherman
- Yorgos Lanthimos
Institutions
- Higher School of Photography
- Paris Photo Prize
- ND Awards
- Experimental Hub Barcelona
- LensCulture Art Photography Awards
Locations
- Slovenia
- Soviet Union
- Russia
- Barcelona
- Spain