Maryna Brodovska
Maryna Brodovska
My Dear Vira
110 Pages
18 x 25 cm
2020
Self Published
My Dear Vira photobook — is a letter addressed to my childhood friend, who emigrated to the United States over 8 years ago. A nostalgic story of friendship and true love made as some kind of a photo-diary. New life circumstances emerge and our dear people disappear. With the illusion of communication and “friendship” with hundreds of strangers in social networks, we lose true intimate contact with those, who are truly important. In the project My Dear Vira I show the moments from real life: from the time, when I and Vira shared the room together in a student dormitory, till today when we leave our adult life in different counties, separately but still trying not to lose our connection, thanks to social networks and new ways of communication. The book is full of funny and dramatic moments and builds on contradictions and comparisons. Using bright graphic elements, stickers I invite the reader to immerse into a story and to recall his/her own emotions and memories about dear people, with whom the connection was lost.
Book review by Dana Stirling |
"My Dear Vira" emerges as a captivating ode to the enduring magic of friendship and the art of storytelling, transcending the ordinary bounds of publication to illuminate the whimsical and childlike bond shared between the artist and her friend, Vera, who embarked on a new chapter of her life in the U.S. This tale of unwavering connection, nurtured over years despite the physical distance, is ingeniously chronicled through a tapestry of light-hearted, playful images and visuals, immortalizing their shared experiences and adventures.
One of the most enthralling aspects of this book is its innovative departure from traditional photo book aesthetics, embracing instead a collage of memories and moments that resonate with the spontaneity and intimacy of a teenager's scrapbook. This unique approach to storytelling, where the pages of the book become a canvas for collaboration, is imbued with a sense of nostalgia and personal reflection. The artist employs a rich palette of photo layering, collages, handwritten notes, screenshots, and vibrant color papers, crafting a dynamic and immersive narrative that not only captivates the viewer but also invites them into a specific mindset, evoking a profound connection with the work.
Beyond its visual allure, the book delves into the essence of human connection, exploring the evolution of a friendship that withstands the test of time and distance. It poignantly captures the shared experiences and growth of two individuals, from the carefree days of youth to the complexities of adulthood, and the inevitable transformation of their relationship. This narrative thread weaves a longing for the past, a desire to revisit and relive those moments of unbridled freedom and discovery, highlighting the intrinsic value and power of relationships in shaping our human experience.
"My Dear Vira" stands as a testament to the transformative potential of photo books, elevating the medium to a form of art that transcends mere visual consumption. The tactile experience of flipping through its pages, each laden with personal anecdotes and chaotic beauty, offers a unique and deeply compelling journey into the lives of its subjects. This project, envisioned and realized with such heartfelt passion, underscores the profound impact that thoughtful, creative expression can have in bringing stories to life, making it an indispensable addition to the world of photographic storytelling.
