Salome Asanidze

Portrait

“I began photographing two years ago with my grandfather’s antique Soviet film camera, the Fed 2. I used to travel throughout Georgia for projects since I worked on many social issues; I am a researcher. I learned that photography helped me understand my surroundings, and it grew into something very precious to me. Growing up in a post-Soviet country and in a very Soviet area, cultural trauma was obvious and generated an environment that I always wanted to represent.”

Artworks

"The Grip of Silence" This image captures the resilience and strength of women in a society where they often face violence and oppression. The photo, set in Georgia, portrays the challenges that women in many parts of the world continue to face today. The problem of family violence against women in Georgia is deeply rooted in cultural and societal norms that place women in a subordinate position to men. In many cases, women who are victims of family violence are reluctant to seek help or report the abuse because of social stigma and shame. This picture symbolizes the strength of the victims. It's a testament to the power of women and a reminder that even in the face of hardship, women stand strong in the grip of silence.

"A Wedding Dress in Samgori Market" I took this photo in Samgori market. A white wedding dress hangs from the ceiling, surrounded by old clothes and vegetables. This image symbolizes the hopelessness and struggle for survival many faces in this post-Soviet country. Despite the harsh reality of their lives, people here continue to work hard to provide for their families. The wedding dress, a symbol of love and hope, serves as a reminder of the dreams that can sometimes seem out of reach in this environment. The black-and-white contrast of the image emphasizes the darkness of the situation, while the dress's bright white color draws the eye and serves as a beacon of hope amidst despair.

Professional education / experience

Tbilisi state university, Faculty of Humanities, (BA) Cultural Studies,(MA) Master in Cultural Studies; Gallery assistant (curator), Fotografia Gallery (2021-2022)