Julie Poly
Kyiv, Ukraine
Author: Grace Banks
Fri Feb 18 2022
“This shoot is a post-ironic comment on the glamor of Y2K”, says Ukrainian photographer Julie Poly – “it’s a story built on the fashion and aesthetics of the 2000s.”. In this photo series, the feminist photographer toys with the tensions between the domestic and women’s identity in Ukraine through a fluoro fashion viewpoint. Fusing her nostalgic lens that taps highlights of the 1990s and early 2000s, she presents contemporary Ukrainian womanhood with glitchy oughties moods.
Julie Poly
There is always room for joy and expression, despite the cultural climate, Julie suggests through her expansive and colour saturated photography. Ultimately, this is the power of photography, to capture a second, or a moment, that others might not have seen, and use it to shape the culture. “Photography is a very 'layered' art”, Julie says of her process – ““…it can serve as a document that reflects reality as it is. Also photography can substitute real life, change real facts. Photography can entertain, educate, and give people emotions.”. For Julie, this is the ultimate power of photography, the fact it can be used for so many different processes.
SHOP SPRING SUMMER 2022
Julie’s photographers offer a rare relic of a crucial time in history for Ukranian women.
In a recent survey by the United Nations, they found that “the on-going conflict in eastern Ukraine has deepened gender stereotypes that emphasise men as protectors and heroes and women as caring supporters, and limited women’s engagement and involvement in conflict resolution.” It’s this tension between change in laws – Ukraine has ratified has the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women — and societal attitudes that Julie uses her sleek lens to examine in her photo series.
With their subtle power struggles, prevailing mood of glamour and a commitment to the power of fashion, Julie’s photographers offer a rare relic of a crucial time in history for Ukrainian women. Her favourite photo is the ensemble image depicting the strain women face in a country where women’s rights collide with deep-seated societal attitudes. “You can tell the story and narrative with photography”, she says, “It is a multilateral art — and it is its main power.”.
Shop Boots
Julie Poly
Credits:
Photo: @julie_poly
Styling: @stassoulkeeper
Makeup: @sasha_nosikova
Hair: @tymoti_beauty
Retouch: @olgasergeenko.photo
Production: @marinashulikina
Models: @kostiantynomelia, @andrruxa (@wildhuntersagency), @juliettepolieva (@catb_agency), @moremi______ (@catb_agency), @vadimzemlyanoy (@catb_agency)