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presents

09 | 2024

JULIA BURULEVA

Julia Buruleva is an art photographer and creative director, who these days, after having worked for years exclusively in commercial photography, now also specializes in conceptual, fashion and advertising photography as well as motion and video.

Julia brings forward her creative art vision to commercial shootings and produces extraordinary and unique results. Her play with backdrops, objects, models, light and decorations provides the viewer with a surreal impression. In moving images, Julia creates her own theater full of almost strangely disconcerting, visually strong aesthetics, thus creating timeless images. She moves with virtuosity between photography, performance and installation, creating images with her surreal, colorful, visually striking style.

Born in Russia, currently based in Barcelona, Spain, Julia has worked in various different cultural enviroments. She just started the project „Art Expedition“, traveling around the globe and creating her art photographs in unique places. We spoke with the artist and posed several questions about her projects, inspirations, her current as well as potential future work.

R&G: What inspired you to start the „Art Expedition“ project? Was there a specific moment or idea that sparked it?

Julia: Well, I am a very adventurous person so I decided to challenge myself by creating art in extreme and unique locations, where the surroundings become an integral part of the artwork itself. The thrill of the unknown, the beauty of diverse landscapes, and the stories embedded in each place all inspired me to embark on this journey.

And I have so much curiosity; I love exploring the world, discovering unique natural places, and meeting all kinds of people. So, I decided to combine this passion with art photography, exploring the world through its lens.

BEST OF PHOTOVOGUE, APRIL 2024

ART EXPEDITION, BOLIVIA

SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT IN THE SALT DESERT, BOLIVIA

[enriched by encounters]

R&G:A few steps into the big journey called „Art Expedition“ have already been made. How has the project changed or influenced you as an artist? Are there any moments from your travels that have had a lasting impact on you, both personally or professionally?

Julia: Traveling to such unique and remote locations has introduced me to individuals and communities I would never have encountered otherwise. These encounters have enriched my work and my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

The people I’ve met — whether locals who know the land intimately or fellow travelers with their own inspiring stories — have added depth and meaning to my art. Their perspectives, kindness, and stories often become a part of the narrative I’m trying to capture in my photography. Without this project, I would have missed out on these powerful human connections, which have become an integral part of the ‚Art Expedition‚ experience.

For example, I met some wonderful, incredibly helpful people in the Bolivian villages. The owner of the hostel where our team stayed literally helped us with production, finding trumpet players for my shoot in a small mountain town which were seemed to be almost impossible to me!

A local fisherman from Lake Titicaca helped us rent 40 trout for the shoot—I didn’t even have to buy them! I only paid a donation for the fish, and after the shoot, they were immediately sent to the kitchen of a small restaurant.

ART EXPEDITION, BOLIVIA

[art knows no limits]

My latest shoot for the ‚Art Expedition‘ took place in Latvia, and my idea was to find an authentic Latvian choir that would agree to sing waist-deep in a forest lake at sunrise. Many people said it was impossible. But I found that choir! And that magical feeling — when strangers are on the same wavelength as you and are willing to join you in crazy endeavors for the sake of art — gives you a powerful sense that anything is possible. There have been countless funny and unusual situations and encounters with all kinds of people, and honestly, these moments are probably what motivated me to start this project in the first place.

The ‚Art Expedition‚ has significantly impacted me professionally as well. Each location presents unique technical and creative challenges — whether it’s dealing with extreme weather, finding the right lighting in unpredictable conditions etc.. Additionally, the project has expanded my artistic voice. By immersing myself in different cultures and landscapes, I’ve gained new perspectives that are now reflected in my work. It’s also deepened my understanding of how art can resonate differently depending on its context, which has influenced the themes and narratives I explore in my photography.

On a professional level, the ‚Art Expedition‚ has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and exhibition, as more people are drawn to the uniqueness of creating art in such diverse and often extreme settings. This project has not only broadened my portfolio but has also solidified my commitment to pushing the boundaries of what art can be.

LATVIAN CHOIR AT SUNRISE

ART EXPEDITION, BOLIVIA

[weaving culture into art]

R&G: How does the culture and history of a location influence your work? Do you research the locations before visiting, or do you prefer to go into your travels blindly and experience the culture with your own eyes?

Julia: The culture and history of a location are incredibly important to my work. They add layers of meaning and context to the images I create. Because the concept of the Art Expedition involves building the artwork around the unique characteristics of a specific location, its visual aesthetics, and cultural features.

I always do thorough research before visiting a new place — I want to understand its past, its people, and its cultural significance. However, I also leave room for spontaneity. While research provides a foundation, I prefer to experience the culture firsthand, allowing the environment to inspire me in unexpected ways. I call it “Touch of God”. This combination of preparation and in-the-moment discovery is what makes each project unique.

SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT

ART EXPEDITION, BOLIVIA

SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT

[the expanding world of art]

R&G: What are your future plans for the „Art Expedition„? Are there any new ideas or projects you’re excited to explore that you can share with us?

Julia: As for my next shoot, I’m heading to Tenerife Island, where the unique volcanic landscape will play a key role in the creative process.

One of the upcoming projects I’m particularly thrilled about involves creating art in India, where the vibrant colors, diverse landscapes, and deep cultural heritage will offer entirely new challenges and opportunities. I´m dreaming about shooting in Varanasi – one of the most ancient cities in the world. And I’m eager to explore themes of nature and wildlife, with elephants being a focal point. I already have several ideas brewing in my mind that I can’t wait to bring to life. I hope I will be able to organise this journey this winter.

There’s so much more I want to explore with ‚Art Expedition,‘ and I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next.

SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT IN THE SALT DESERT, BOLIVIA

Another ongoing project from Julia is called „Synchronization„, in which she takes both roles – photographer and protagonist.

R&G: What inspired you to merge these roles? And how did this concept evolve?

Julia: Well no one else is quite as bold or fearless as I am when it comes to being a model for these project. I often shoot in remote and hard-to-reach locations, where it’s nearly impossible to bring anyone else along. And honestly, who would agree to fly to a tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic, descend into a volcano’s caldera in pouring rain at 6 a.m. just to capture a few minutes of the most beautiful fog at sunrise? Not to mention being willing to pose nude in the rain with temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius. I am the creator of these challenging ideas, and only I am ready to commit fully to bringing them to life.

Or, for example, the last shoot I spent on an active volcano in Bolivia . The sheer intensity of the environment—the heat, the altitude, the sense of danger—forced me to tap into a deeper level of focus and commitment. It was a powerful reminder of the connection between art and the natural world, and how much the process itself can shape the final work.

„SYNCHRONIZATION N37“

SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT

"When I step into the frame, I’m not just creating art; I’m living it, fully and authentically."

Also, for me it is also a performance. By being both behind and in front of the camera, I can fully express my vision and emotions, making the artwork a true reflection of my inner self

It also gives me complete creative control, letting me experiment and push boundaries in ways that wouldn’t be possible if I were working only from behind the lens. Being both the photographer and the subject brings a unique perspective to each piece, making the creative process more immersive and meaningful for me.

Another very important aspect, which I consider the main value of the project, is that it’s done entirely in real life, without the use of AI. All the amazing locations you see in these works are not fantasy AI-generated images but real, existing places. Some of them may look quite surreal, and people often ask if AI was involved. In a time when similar images can be created using AI in just a few hours, I want to highlight the value of a real, genuine artistic experience, showcasing an authentic performance in harmony with nature, in truly unique places on our planet. For me, the reality of the process is not just a whim; it is an aesthetic principle that gives these works their fundamental value.

SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT

[a dialogue between humanity & nature]

R&G: „Synchronization“ features the natural human body and beautiful landscapes, harmoniously interacting with each other. What does this represent for you, and what messages would you like to express with your communication with and through nature?

Julia: “Synchronization“ is about exploring the deep, inherent connection between the human body and the natural world. For me, it represents the idea that we are not separate from nature; we are part of it. By placing the natural human form in stunning, often raw landscapes, I aim to capture a sense of harmony and unity between humanity and the environment. This project is a visual expression of how we can exist in balance with the earth, respecting and appreciating its beauty and power.

The messages I want to convey through this work include a call for greater mindfulness and awareness of our surroundings. I hope to inspire people to reconnect with nature, to see the beauty in it, and to understand our role in preserving it. Through my images, I want to highlight the vulnerability and strength of both the human body and the natural world, showing that there is a profound dialogue between the two. This project is my way of communicating the importance of living in harmony with nature, recognizing its impact on us, and our impact on it.

SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT