Biography
Galina Semenova is an award-winning self-taught Fine Art Portrait Photographer based in San Diego, California. Born in Russia and relocating to the United States in 2009, Galina brings a unique perspective to her work, shaped by her multicultural background and over two decades of experience across various photography genres.
Deeply influenced by Russian literary giants like Dostoevsky and Gogol, Galina's work delves into the complexities of the human soul. With her photographs, she likes to invite viewers into a deeply personal narrative of the complexity and beauty of the human experience, a delicate balance between fragility and fortitude, vulnerability and courage. In this narrative, she hopes to capture the essence of what it means to be human. This approach creates a space for recognition, healing, and empowerment.
As a 'collector of sensations,' Galina draws inspiration from colors, emotions, and shared human experiences. Her art explores themes of self-acceptance, love, and personal and collective traumas. Embracing the concept of Intermedia Photography, she seamlessly blends various visual arts media to express her visionary stories.
In recent years, Galina has focused on socially engaging projects that empower communities through art and storytelling. Her work includes:
Portraits of Domestic Violence Survivors: Capturing the strength and courage of those who have overcome abuse.
Breast Cancer Survivor Series: Highlighting the resilience and humility of women who have battled breast cancer.
These projects aim to transform tragedy into triumph, fostering empathy and inspiring action. By sharing these powerful stories, Galina seeks to drive social change and ensure that the voices of resilient individuals are heard, acknowledged, and respected.
Galina's commitment to socially impactful art stems from her belief that photography can change lives for the better, inviting more hope, love, and awakening. Her work serves as a catalyst for important conversations and a means to connect diverse communities through shared experiences.
Internationally recognized for her artistry, Galina's work has been exhibited worldwide in numerous group exhibitions. She continues to push the boundaries of portrait photography, using her talent to illuminate the human spirit and contribute to positive social transformation.
Exhibitions:
Bread & Salt. Group show “Ride to the Warehouse”. San Diego, CA – September 2024
Expressive Arts. Group show “Light in Darkness”. San Diego, CA – September – November 2024
“Art Through the Glass”. Chula Vista, CA – September – December 2024
The Bridge and Tunnel. Brooklyn, NY - November - December 2023
Photofusion Photography Centre. London, UK - October 2022
Fondazione Luciana Matalon. Just Women. Milan, Italy - September 2022
FotoNostrum Gallery. 6th edition of the Biennial of Fine Art & Documentary Photography. Spain, Barcelona.
December 2021 - January 2022
TwentyOne Gallery. “Escapism”. July - August 2021
CICA Museum. Exhibition “Concept 2021”. Korea. July 2021
The IN Gallery. "Full Moon" group art show. San Diego. April 2021
WomensWork.Art Gallery. Exhibition "Through the Eye" Women in Photography. New York. April 2021
Israeli Art Market. “THE Passover”. March - June 2021
TwentyOne Gallery. “Endurance”. March - April 2021
TwentyOne Gallery. Online contemporary photography group exhibition “Expressions”. March 2021
ArtDoc Magazine (UK). Online fine art group exhibition "Inner World". March 2021
La Bodega Gallery. San Diego, CA. BLACK & WHITE Group Photography Show. 2017
CoSpace Gallery. Portland, OR. Group show “Visual Story Telling”. 2017
Hammond’s creative space. San Diego, CA. Group art show “Abstractionism”. 2017
4 Elements of Culture. Las Vegas, NV. Solo art show. 2011
Bellagio Casino. Caramel Lounge. Las Vegas, NV. Solo exhibition. “Memories”. 2010
Awards:
1854 Media and British Journal of Photography - Portrait of Humanity V.6 - Shortlisted, 2024
1854 Media and British Journal of Photography - FEMALE in FOCUS 2022
Tokyo International Foto Awards - Silver Winner in Category: People - Self Portrait. Dec 2021
Muse Photography Award - Gold Winner in Category: Fine Art Photography - Nudes, Aug 2021
The World Wide Photography Gala Awards - the 16th Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women Photographers - Honorable Mention in Category - Self Portrait, May 2021
Publications:
Canvas Rebel - October 22, 2023 Meet Galina Semenova
Bold Journey - June 6, 2023 Meet Gala Semenova
Lens Magazine - issue #103. April 2023. Fine art body of work “There is a crack ... in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”
SD Voayager - Sep 26, 2022. Conversations with Gala Semenova
British Journal of Photography - Aug 2, 2022
Digital Camera World magazine - Aug 2, 2022
Lens Magazine - issue #91. 2022. Fine art body of work " And Then i Remembered"
123 Art Magazine. Interview with self-taught Fine Art Portrait Photographer Gala Semenova. July 2021
Al-Tiba9 magazine - ISSUE08. 2021
Lens Magazine - issue #75. 2020. Fine art body of work “Journey into Thyself”
MARIKA Magazine - Nude issue #462, 2020
MARIKA Magazine - Fine Art issue # 354, 2020
MoB Magazine - Self-Portrait Vol.2, 2020
VZSN Magazine - ISSUE 4, October 2020
BEYONDall Magazine - October Vol. 5, 2020
Contact: gala@galinasemenova.com
Galina Semenova Photography© All rights reserved 2024