Interview
Irina Jomir
Irina Jomir (born 1983, Chisinau, Moldova), an internationally awarded fine art and portrait photographer based in Norway who was nominated Photographer Of The Year at Budapest International Foto Awards 2023, as well as Gold Winner and First Place winner in Fine Art. Her work has been published by organisations such as One Eyeland “Best of The Best Photographers 2019 & 2021” book, Trierenberg Super Circuit “Luxury Edition XII” and “30 Years Winner’s Collection 1992 - 2022” books, Behind The Shutter (an educational article), Mob Journal and others. Her "Destiny – The Shaping Of Fate" was selected to participate in the Chianciano Art Biennale 2024 and is now part of the permanent collection of the Museum. Her work has a stylized approach, with carefully planned intention in every detail. In personal projects she often investigates emotions and a psychological state of mind with a hidden message or a little secret. She draws inspiration from art history when she begins to stage her art piece. Irina’s works can be read in layers and through the use of atmosphere she often hints in cracks of our ability to perceive the world, where we meet ourselves in a confrontation with what we considered the status quo.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My journey into the art world began at early age in Chisinau, Moldova, where I was born. Growing up in a culturally rich and mixed environment, I was drawn to visual storytelling early on. There, I attended an art school witch gave me an opportunity to explore the creativity in various forms. However, my path to photography became more defined after I moved to Norway. Inspired by art history, psychology, and human emotion, I found photography to be the perfect medium to convey the complexity of the human experience, particularly femininity and identity. Over time, I have honed my craft, always seeking to blend elements of classical art with modern sensibilities to explore the human condition.”
What inspires you?
“My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, primarily the rich tapestry of art history and the complexities of human psychology. The ability to weave stories of inner strength, vulnerability, and transformation through imagery fuels my creative process. Right now, I’m fascinated by the intersection of myth, spirituality, and femininity. Additionally, the visual language of the Renaissance and Baroque periods has a strong influence on my work, particularly their masterful use of light and symbolism.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The recurring themes in my work revolve around the exploration of femininity, the psychological complexities of human nature, and the sense of fate. I delve into the emotional and psychological layers of womanhood, often portraying women as both fragile and powerful, balancing the sacred with the sensual. In my latest series, Ephemeral Divinity, I explore the portrayal of women as divine beings, reflecting on the divine feminine complexity through mythological and spiritual archetypes. At its core, my work invites viewers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of identity and the inner world.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is a blend of fine art and portrait photography with a strong influence from classical painting. It is highly conceptual, often focusing on the portrayal of women in a deeply symbolic and contemplative manner. I strive to create images that evoke timelessness and invite the viewer to reflect on deeper themes such as destiny, spirituality, and the female experience. My goal is to create artwork that transcends the immediate and connects with the viewer on a deeper, almost spiritual level.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am greatly influenced by both Frida Kahlo and Artemisia Gentileschi. Kahlo’s exploration of identity, pain, and femininity resonates deeply with me, especially her ability to transform her personal struggles into universally compelling symbols of resilience and transformation. Her work is an unapologetic expression of her inner world, and I strive to evoke similar emotional depth and narrative richness in my own photography. Artemisia Gentileschi’s life story, marked by trauma and personal tragedy, has also had a profound impact on my artistic vision. Her ability to channel her experiences into powerful, fearless depictions of women is something I deeply connect with. Gentileschi’s paintings, such as Judith Slaying Holofernes, convey not only strength but also a raw emotional intensity that challenges the viewer to confront themes of survival, justice, and empowerment. Like Gentileschi, I seek to reframe the narrative around women, giving them agency and celebrating their strength, even in the face of hardship.”
“As a visual artist, I am fascinated by women, the natural power of their femininity and the depth of their psychological complexity.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process begins with an idea, usually sparked by a combination of research on a specific subject, the symbolism around it, and personal experiences and reflections from past and present times. I spend considerable time refining the concept before moving on to sketching compositions and planning the visual elements such as lighting, wardrobe, and color palette. The actual photoshoot is a meticulous and collaborative process, where I try to balance technical precision with emotional spontaneity. Post-production is equally important in shaping the final image, as it allows me to enhance the atmosphere and ensure the visual language reflects the narrative I wish to convey.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe that an artist’s role in society is to offer new ways of seeing the world and to challenge conventional perspectives. Artists have the power to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and bring attention to issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. As society evolves, the role of the artist will continue to shift, but at its core, it will always be about creating spaces for reflection and dialogue.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“One of my most notable achievements so far was having my series Destiny – The Shaping Of Fate selected for the Chianciano Art Biennale 2024. This piece is now part of the permanent collection of the Chianciano Terme Art Museum in Tuscany, Italy. Another significant milestone was winning Gold and First Place in Fine Art, along with the title Photographer of The Year at the Budapest International Foto Awards 2023. Most recently, the Ephemeral Divinity project has given me the opportunity to further explore the divine feminine in a way that resonates with a broad audience, from art scholars to those passionate about mythology and spirituality. I’m fortunate to be exhibiting some of the artworks from this project at an upcoming exhibition, Muses of Modernity: Women Artists Inspiring Change Group Exhibition, at Weiz Kunsthaus in Weiz, Austria, in 2026, organized by Pashmin Art Consortia.”
