Interview
Julia Flit
Julia Flit is a Kazakhstani artist and photographer based in London. She began her photographic career in 2012 and started experimenting with fine art photography during the pandemic. The lockdown, solitude, and abundance of free time gave her the courage to look deeper within and create meaningful art.
Since the beginning of her career, Julia has traveled the world, working with top international jewellery designers and shooting campaigns for Vogue Brazil and Bergdorf Goodman. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, Elle Serbia, the New York Times, Porter, and on the covers of Rapaport. Julia is accredited by The Association of Photographers, one of the most prestigious professional associations.
Julia had her first fine art photographs exhibited in 2021 with the FLAIR project at the Gem Geneve Jewellery Trade Show. She followed this with exhibitions at the prestigious Photo London Exhibition in 2022, represented by Litehouse Gallery, and participated in The Affordable Art Fair in London and New York from 2023 to 2024. She has exhibited in various European galleries and is now working on her solo show.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My journey in the art world began in 2012 as a photographer, but it was during the pandemic that I found the space to experiment with fine art photography. This time of solitude allowed me to explore deeper artistic expressions and transform my professional experiences into a more personal form of art.”
What inspires you?
“My inspiration comes from a blend of personal experiences and the profound works of past artists. The dialogue between human emotions and artistic heritage drives my creativity, allowing me to explore themes of introspection, rebirth, and the human condition through my art.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The themes I pursue revolve around personal transformation, the exploration of inner landscapes, and the concept of metamodernism - oscillating between hope and despair, sincerity and irony. My art seeks to mirror the complexities of modern life, providing a reflective space for viewers to navigate their own emotions and uncertainties. The underlying message is one of resilience and growth through self-awareness. By confronting and embracing our vulnerabilities, we foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and our capacity to adapt and thrive amidst life’s challenges. This journey of self-exploration and acceptance is central to my work, encouraging a dialogue with one’s self that is both healing and transformative.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is an immersive blend of photography and fine art that extensively uses water and the human body as elemental forces of nature. This combination allows me to explore the fluid dynamics of human emotions and the physicality of our existence. The interaction of light, color, and form in these underwater settings brings a dreamlike quality, where the human form interacts dynamically with water, creating multilayered visual narratives. These pieces delve deep into personal and collective subconscious, challenging perceptions and inviting viewers to a deeper psychological exploration and personal interpretation.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Artists like Yves Klein, Ana Mendieta, Georgia O’Keeffe, René Magritte, and Henri Matisse significantly influence my work. Each brings a unique element, from Klein’s visceral body paintings to Magritte’s play on the visible and the hidden, which I integrate to challenge and expand the viewer's perspective.”
“At its core, my art is a cathartic process born from personal crises and emotional turmoil. Each piece manifests my journey through pain, healing, and self-discovery.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is highly experimental and intuitive, involving physical engagement such as submerging in water or using my body directly on canvas. I use multiple light sources, lasers, and strobes to enhance the ethereal quality of my images. Collaboration, particularly with my husband on underwater projects, plays a crucial role in evolving the narratives within my art.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists play a critical role in reflecting and shaping societal values. We act as recorders of history, commentators on societal issues, and visionaries who can imagine and inspire change. With the integration of digital technologies and global perspectives, I see artists continuing to push boundaries and engage more actively in activism and social narratives.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Yes, my work has been showcased internationally, including prestigious events like Photo London and The Affordable Art Fair in both London and New York. Notably, my first fine art photographs were exhibited at the Gem Geneve Jewellery Trade Show in 2021, marking a significant milestone in my transition to fine art. I am also excited to be participating in the upcoming group exhibition "Mixed Identities" organized by ITSLIQUID during the Venice Biennale, which will run from October 11 to 25 in Venice. This exhibition will be a fantastic opportunity to explore themes of identity and transformation within a global context.”
Website: juliaflit.com
Instagram: @juliaflit.art
