Details

Artist Bio

Irina Jomir (b. 1983, Chisinau, Moldova) is an internationally acclaimed fine art and portrait photographer based in Norway. Her work is celebrated for its emotional resonance and compelling visual narratives, delving into themes of the feminine experience, psychological depth, and human complexity.

Jomir’s accolades include being named Photographer of the Year at the 2023 Budapest International Foto Awards, winning the Women United Art Prize, and earning 1st Place at the 25th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards. She was also a finalist in the Luxembourg Art Prize, further cementing her reputation as a visionary in contemporary photography. Her series Destiny – The Shaping of Fate was showcased at the Chianciano Art Biennale 2024 and now forms part of the permanent collection at the Chianciano Terme Art Museum in Tuscany, Italy.

Her artistry has been featured in prestigious publications such as 101 Art Books: Portrait Edition, One Eyeland’s Best of the Best Photographers, and Trierenberg Super Circuit’s Luxury Edition. Jomir’s work has been exhibited internationally, including at the BIFA 2023 Winners’ Exhibitions in Athens and Budapest and the I Wonder If You Can group show at the Siena Awards.

Drawing inspiration from art history and pioneering female artists, Jomir’s practice combines meticulous craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic, creating works that provoke introspection and invite viewers to explore the deeper layers of human emotion. Through her evocative imagery, she continues to redefine the boundaries of fine art photography on a global stage.

Artist Statement

My photography revolves around the intricate exploration of human emotions and the profound impact they have on individuals and society as a whole. In particular, I am drawn to the stories of women, as they navigate the complexities of life and society. Each photograph becomes a visual narrative, revealing the hidden layers of their experiences and the strength that resides within them.

Emotions… Emotions possess a remarkable ability to evoke, alter, unite, or divide. They extend beyond the individual experiencing them, reverberating with the collective consciousness of those who bear witness. Sometimes, we find ourselves trapped by our emotions, becoming addicted and losing sight of the reality that surrounds us. What does it take to let go?

Through my photographs, I endeavor to provide a voice to these emotions. Rather than projecting my own opinions, I aim to unveil and validate the diverse range of our feelings. By delving into the psychological depths of my subjects, I seek to evoke a profound impact on viewers. Through the interplay of light, composition, and mood, I create images that invite contemplation and introspection. The foundation of my work lies in authentic stories and messages. While I may not explicitly reveal them to the viewer, I intentionally leave room for self-reflection, imagination and a subtle reminder of the power of human emotions, and their ability to shape our perceptions and interactions with the world.

To bring my vision to life, I begin by sketching a visual representation of the idea on paper, carefully piecing together the details that will evoke the desired emotional response. I strive to unite the elements of the story harmoniously. Light and colors play a crucial role in shaping the perception of the atmosphere within my photographs. I carefully manipulate these elements to evoke a specific mood and narrative. To enhance the visual experience, I prefer to use hand-painted canvas backdrops which I often paint myself. There is a rawness and familiarity that comes with the tactile presence of paint on canvas, adding a layer of depth to the images.

In my quest for capturing authenticity, I combine natural and artificial light. I aim to dissolve the boundaries between the two, creating a seamless and immersive visual experience. I endeavor to capture all essential elements within a single frame, minimizing the need for extensive post-production editing. However, when editing my photographs I approach it with meticulous care, investing hours of dedicated work to refine and enhance each photograph.

My artistic vision and style draws inspiration from the works of pioneering female artists such as Frida Kahlo and Artemisia Gentileschi. Their ability to convey raw emotions and tell powerful stories through their art resonates deeply with me.

Ultimately, my artistry lies in telling stories through photography, stories that transcend the boundaries of time and culture. By capturing the essence of people and their psychological states, I hope to ignite empathy and understanding and encourage viewers to reflect on their own emotions and the impact they have on others.

Professional Highlights

• BIFA Photographer Of The Year ‘23

• Chianciano Art Biennale ‘24 - selected artist

• International Prize Velázquez & Goya - award recipient

• Luxembourg Art Prize ‘24 - finalist

• Women United Art Prize ‘24, Photography & Printmaking category - 1st place

• 101 Art Books Portrait Edition - selected artist

• Julia Margaret Cameron Awards, Single Image, Professional - 1st place, overall winner.

Find Me

Portfolio

Quid Pro Quo

“Quid Pro Quo” is a deeply evocative triptych that invites the viewer into a world of silent agreements and unspoken understandings. The Latin phrase “Quid Pro Quo,” meaning “something for something,” is central to the narrative, suggesting an exchange that goes beyond the material to touch the realms of trust, secrecy, and personal bonds. Flanking this central image, the phrases “Non dicam, si tu non dicas”—translated as “I won’t tell if you don’t tell”—further amplify the theme of secrecy and mutual confidence. The images are rich in symbolism, featuring figures that carry an air of quiet resolve, each subtly guarding their own story. The central image of a heart pierced by swords, yet adorned with wings, speaks to the tension between vulnerability and protection, pain and freedom. This juxtaposition is a visual metaphor for the complex nature of human relationships—where love and loyalty often come at a cost, yet are bound by an unspoken pact. This series is not merely to be seen, but to be felt and pondered. It offers no clear answers but instead invites viewers to project their own experiences and emotions onto the scenes. “Quid Pro Quo” thus becomes a mirror, reflecting the private, perhaps even hidden, transactions of the soul. In the end, the interpretation is left deliberately open, allowing each observer to draw their own connections, uncover their own secrets, and perhaps, recognize their own silent exchanges.

Destiny

“Destiny” is a series of images that weave a narrative of a woman embodying destiny. Portrayed as a powerful and enigmatic figure, she personifies the complexities of fate and the transformative power of the human experience, embodying both truth and divine will. The first image, “Destiny 01 - The Essence,” features a young woman in a natural setting, radiating timeless elegance and profound purpose. She holds a gleaming sword, symbolizing the challenges ahead, and a delicate butterfly, representing transformation and change. This graceful creature hints at the woman’s role not only as a guardian of fate but also as an agent of profound evolution, capable of effecting change and renewal. Her gaze, a blend of serenity and fierce determination, suggests a deep understanding of the path ahead, reflecting wisdom and insight into her own nature and destiny. In “Destiny 02 - The Shaping of Fate,” the narrative deepens, depicting the woman in a red dress, symbolizing action. She is poised in a state of anticipation and thoughtful planning, holding an arrow that signifies her focus and direction. A halo adds an enigmatic quality, hinting at her connection to forces beyond the earthly realm. Butterflies flanking her sides symbolize the past, the future, and the profound transformation, emphasizing the ever-changing nature of existence. At her feet, a scorpion introduces a note of caution, representing potential danger or impending peril. This inclusion serves as a reminder of the consequences of one’s actions, urging vigilance and discernment as she forges a new path. Holding a red apple, her expression conveys deep contemplation, suggesting significant choices are at hand. “Destiny 03 - Rebirth” delves into a personal odyssey, encapsulating a profound narrative of transformation and self-discovery. It challenges the conventional notion of seeking fulfillment through external circumstances, urging viewers to contemplate the true path to one’s destiny through introspection. The artwork’s visual language embodies the realization that genuine evolution and fulfillment stem from within, serving as a metaphor for the liberating choice of self-improvement over changing the external world. The central theme revolves around shedding past constraints and embracing profound metamorphosis through self-nurturing and growth. It invites contemplation on self-transformation as the gateway to realizing one’s true destiny. The “Destiny” series transcends mere visual representation, inviting contemplation of universal themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the inexorable pull of personal journeys. Through its composition and evocative symbolism, the photographs encourage viewers to reflect on their capacity to shape their destinies, embrace change, and embody the strength and grace that define the human experience.

Poppyseed Dancer II

In this painterly series of photographs, the ballerina's movements tell a story of emotive grace, sensuality, and vulnerability. Each image, like a fine art portrait, captures the essence of her artistry, inviting the viewers into a world where serenity and strength intertwine. Soft lighting accentuates her curves, creating a mesmerizing visual journey that transcends time. From intense passion to serene reflection, the series encapsulates the beauty of her movements, inviting us to witness the profound expression of her soul.