Kristina Varaksina is a Russian-born, New York–based artist known for soft-hued portraits conveying the quiet-yet-complex inner worlds of her subjects. We featured her work in the past—specifically, ethereal photographs of a red-haired model—but recently, Varaksina has shared “Anonymous,” a series referencing 20th-century surrealism. As the title suggests, these images are about identity and “the unease the artist feels about the world’s uncertainties.” With the faces hidden, the viewer is prevented from connecting emotionally with the subject, creating a feeling of disconnect in the otherwise warm, minimalist environment. The longer you look, however, the more an emotion begins to arise, facilitated by the presence, texture, and shape of the fruits and leaves.
Images © Kristina Varaksina