Synonyms

Developing this thesis, we can assert that when photographing we do divide all the visible world phenomena into those we consider to be relevant and rather irrelevant ones; thus, the camera in our hands does constantly evaluate and prioritize. With the unprecedented growth of narcissism-encouraging social networks, the crisis of over-consumption and the cult of glamour, the criterion for “being recognized as relevant” often reflects people’s understanding of the beautiful. But are sunsets, the night sky, exotic landscapes, and geometrically perfect architectural elements really the only subjects which are a priori such?

«Synonyms» is a series of diptychs offering a different perspective on the «classic» notion of the beautiful. Without reducing the value of such shots, next to them the images of simple, mundane artifacts are placed – unevenly painted walls, shadows cast by fork teeth, bicycles parked in a parking lot. Those details, presented side by side with the conventionally beautiful landscapes, acquire a different weight and introduce a new definition of the aesthetic dimension. The viewfinder focuses on ordinary everyday objects whose magic rarely turns out to be highly appreciated. The pairs of images become visual synonyms – with equal potential and a claim to their rightful place in the conditional gallery of the beautiful.