Jelena Murina is a Lithuanian fine art photographer whose work is inspired by Dutch and Flemish still life, vanitas symbolism and natural history. With a background in biology, she combines scientific observation with fine art photography to create symbolic compositions using flowers, fruits, shells, bones and other natural objects. Working professionally in photography since 2015 and focusing on fine art since 2018, her work has received international recognition through 35AWARDS and has been published in the official 35AWARDS catalogues (2022, 2024 and 2025).
ARTIST STATEMENT
Photographic Artist exploring Nature, Time, and Memory through Fine Art Photography.
1. MAIN THEME
In my artistic practice, I explore the beauty of nature, the passage of time, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Through fine art photography, I seek to preserve fleeting moments that remind us of both the fragility of life and its extraordinary perfection.
A central place in my work is occupied by still lifes inspired by the traditions of seventeenth-century Dutch and Flemish painting, where beauty is inseparable from reflections on time, memory, and the value of every passing moment.
2. ARTISTIC EXPLORATION
I am inspired by the diversity of forms, structures, and patterns created by nature. Flowers, fruits, shells, bones, minerals, and other natural objects are not merely aesthetic forms to me, but evidence of the intricate processes that shape life itself.
My work explores the relationship between beauty and knowledge, art and science. My artistic language is deeply influenced by the aesthetics of vanitas, natural history collections, natural specimens, and the tradition of cabinets of curiosities.
Flowers, fruits, mollusk shells, animal bones and skeletons, dried plants, seeds, minerals, and other natural artifacts become not only elements of my compositions but also bearers of stories about beauty, time, the changing nature of the living world, and the diversity of life on Earth.
I am fascinated by the way ordinary objects can tell stories about time, memory, life, and its continuous transformation.
3. MEDIUM
Fine Art Photography, Still Life Photography, Macro Photography, Digital Post-Processing, Archival Pigment Printing (Giclée).
4. METHOD
Each work begins with the creation of a physical composition. I personally select every object, build each scene, and shape the lighting with particular attention to symbolism, texture, and the relationships between the elements.
Inspired by the Old Masters, I use directional light and deep shadows to emphasize the materiality of objects and create an atmosphere of silence and contemplation. Light is not merely a technical tool but an essential narrative element that reveals the character of every subject.
Many of the objects in my still lifes originate from the worlds of natural history, scientific collections, and the study of nature. Through them, I seek to present the beauty of nature not only as a source of aesthetic experience but also as an object of curiosity, exploration, and admiration.
Following the photographic process, each image undergoes careful post-production aimed at preserving its natural character, depth, and expressive quality. The final works are produced as archival fine art prints on museum-quality papers.
5. VIEWER EXPERIENCE
I strive to create images that encourage viewers to slow down and look closely at the details. My works invite contemplation and reflection on the beauty of the natural world, the passage of time, memory, and humanity's place within nature.
Familiar objects acquire symbolic meaning, opening a space for personal associations and individual interpretation.
6. CONTEMPORARY CONTEXT
In a world where images are consumed at an ever-increasing speed, the need for slower and more attentive observation becomes increasingly important. Drawing upon the traditions of classical still life, I create contemporary photographic works that unite the artistic heritage of the past with an enduring fascination for nature and scientific inquiry.
My work exists at the intersection of art, natural history, and visual exploration. Through photography, I seek to remind viewers of the beauty of the world that surrounds us and the importance of preserving our ability to wonder at even the most familiar things.
KEYWORDS
Fine Art Photography / Dutch Still Life / Vanitas / Beauty of Nature / Natural History / Natural Objects / Symbolism / Light and Shadow / Time and Memory
“Everything has a story to tell. Every photograph is my attempt to hear it.”
