Detailed Research: Surrealism Photographer Research: Lara Zankoul -

Surrealism: Lara Zankoul -

Born: 1987
Died: N/A
Place of Birth: Beirut, Lebanon
Occupation: Conceptual Photographer
Camera: Canon 5D Mark II
Style: Conceptual

Notable Places of Work:

• Self employed
• Represented by Ayyam Gallery

Other Information:

• Born in Lebanon.
• Lives in Lebanon.
• Winner of the 2011 Shabab Ayyam Photography Competition.

Examples of Work:

This piece from 'The Unseen' 2013 series is interesting for many reasons. Firstly the identity of the subjects are obscured and the audience does not know for what purpose. Another reason is why each animalistic mask was chosen for each; what do the masks represent. Additionally, the calm poses of the subjects subverts the idea that the room is filling with water and they are just keeping above the water line. This could symbolise how in a modern society we are all losing our individual identities and becoming so engrossed in the futile tasks that we do not realise we are so close to danger; to further this the white rabbit could be an extension of 'Alice In Wonderland' in which the rabbit states "I'm late" which again links to the fast paced lives we lead. However, another question that arises is the clothing of the subjects; both are dressed in formal clothing that could either place them in positions of power or place them in a subservient role as a servant. On the other hand, the photographer could just be creating these works for the same reason as Rene Magritte "To allow the viewer to think".

This photograph is from the same series as the one outlined above, "The Unseen" 2013, and also causes many interpretation and questions to be raised. Above the water line the two females are smiling and jovially linking arms and making a tie of friendship. Although, below the water one is holding scissors to sabotage her "friend" and cut the ties of the bond which could be explicit for a performance sabotage or more implicitly infer that in most relationships one builds the bond and the other cuts it. Furthermore, the two subjects are similar in appearance, dress but only different in the painted mask. This could symbolise instead a split personality or a conflicting personality. The masks are like those worn by the 'players' otherwise known as actors and could again link to the hidden traits of personality. The colour red connotes sexuality, theatre and being fierce all of which could be interpreted differently by a different viewer.

This photograph, and the one below, are from Zankoul's archive. This image is so intriguing for many reasons one being its use of colour. The pastel blue hue and lowly saturated image create a dream like atmosphere which is supported by the subject of the image. The windows are like that of a bedroom but the surrealism is in that the outside sky is inside and that the identity of the subject is obscured as they fall into the clouds of dream. The clothing is reminiscent of vintage child's clothing and the décor also links back to a Victorian theme. The image could therefore be discussing the nostalgia, freedom and imagination of childhood which is so often lost as we grow older for not being a realistic view of the world but more of a surreal interpretation.

This image is featured on Zankoul's website within the archive. The photograph to me is significant in how it can be interpreted. I see the clam shell as mother of pearl and the female as a response to the paintings of "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli which depicts the Roman goddess Venus in a clam shell, the Greek equivalent is Aphrodite, who is the goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation. Therefore, the seductive pose again draws upon links to the goddess and depicts women in a way that they are the goddesses of the modern world. The use of the living room background could imply that whilst women are so powerful they are seen in the eyes of some as no more than a goddess of domesticity.

This photograph is from Zaankoul's 2016 series "As Cold As White Stone". The image was captured in an abandoned marble quarry and from this ideas can be made. The two subjects lay motionless like marble statues which links in the location. Also, the natural tones of white and skin tones link to an idea of purity which is also a symbol of white marble alongside immortality. The composition of the subjects on different levels also links to the idea that people are constantly growing further away from each other. The two appear like lovers in a tragedy who were torn apart by forces of nature and who are immortalised in a pure state like statues as a reminder that love that does not always work.