Conceptual nominee

The "Labyrinths of Emigration" project is a deeply personal exploration of the emotional and psychological complexities of displacement. Rooted in my own emigration experience, the series visualizes the disorienting journey of seeking a new home, where familiar landscapes are replaced by an overwhelming maze of uncertainty.

Each image serves as a metaphor for the invisible barriers—cultural, linguistic, and emotional—that migrants navigate daily. The figures in my work appear lost within surreal, fragmented spaces, caught between past and present, belonging and alienation. I use layered compositions, blurred boundaries, and stark contrasts to reflect the internal conflicts of identity reconstruction.

Inspired by classic fine art photography and experimental hybrid techniques, I integrate projected historical imagery onto contemporary subjects, reinforcing the tension between memory and reinvention. The "Labyrinths of Emigration" invites viewers to step into this maze, confronting the universal themes of home, loss, and transformation.

This series is not just about physical relocation—it’s about the psychological state of being in between, where every turn in the labyrinth leads to self-discovery or deeper confusion. Through this project, I aim to evoke empathy, offering a visual narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt displaced.

Biography

Maria Tulchinskaya is an award-winning visual artist specializing in experimental hybrid photography. Her innovative work explores the intersection of tradition and contemporary life by projecting historical and cultural imagery onto modern subjects, creating striking and thought-provoking visuals. Maria’s unique style combines elements of classical painting, early studio photography, and contemporary aesthetics, making her a standout in the international art scene.
Born in Vologda, Russia, Maria’s early experiences in a culturally rich yet secluded environment shaped her artistic vision. Emigration in 2022 brought a transformative shift in her practice, inspiring themes of self-discovery, identity, and adaptation.
Maria has successfully bridged fashion and fine art, collaborating with leading clothing manufacturers in Moscow, New York, and London, and establishing herself in both commercial and editorial photography. Her journey into fine art photography allowed her to refine her creative process, focusing on thoughtful planning and storytelling through deeply evocative portraits.
Currently based in California

Awards

Silver Medalist at the Budapest International Foto Awards

Exhibitions

ImageNation Milan. September 2023. Represented by Fondazione Luciana Matalon. Group show.
ImageNation Paris. May 2024. Paris. Represented by Joseph Le Palais Gallery. Group show.
Art-Icon. Corporeality exhibition. Paris november 2024. . Represented by Bastille Design center. Group show.