Galina Semenova

Gender
Female
Born
1981
Nationality
Russian
Country
United States

Galina Semenova is an award-winning self-taught Fine Art Portrait Photographer based in San Diego, California. Born in Russia and relocating to the United States in 2009, Galina brings a unique perspective to her work, shaped by her multicultural background and over two decades of experience across various photography genres.

Deeply influenced by Russian literary giants like Dostoevsky and Gogol, Galina's work delves into the complexities of the human soul. Her portraits go beyond mere aesthetics, seeking to capture the essence of her subjects' spirits, revealing their inner beauty, resilience, and vulnerability. This approach creates a space for recognition, healing, and empowerment.

As a 'collector of sensations,' Galina draws inspiration from colors, emotions, and shared human experiences. Her art explores themes of self-acceptance, love, and personal and collective traumas. Embracing the concept of Intermedia Photography, she seamlessly blends various visual arts media to express her visionary stories.

In recent years, Galina has focused on socially engaging projects that empower communities through art and storytelling. Her work includes:

  • Portraits of Domestic Violence Survivors: Capturing the strength and courage of those who have overcome abuse.
  • Breast Cancer Survivor Series: Highlighting the resilience and humility of women who have battled breast cancer.

These projects aim to transform tragedy into triumph, fostering empathy and inspiring action. By sharing these powerful stories, Galina seeks to drive social change and ensure that the voices of resilient individuals are heard, acknowledged, and respected.

Galina's commitment to socially impactful art stems from her belief that photography can change lives for the better, inviting more hope, love, and awakening. Her work serves as a catalyst for important conversations and a means to connect diverse communities through shared experiences.

Internationally recognized for her artistry, Galina's work has been exhibited worldwide in numerous group exhibitions. She continues to push the boundaries of portrait photography, using her talent to illuminate the human spirit and contribute to positive social transformation.

Female Breast cancer survivor staying in pink dress holding her prosthetics breast looking directly to the viewer
Occupation
Fine Art Photographer
Photographer
Address
San Diego, CA
Languages
English
Russian
Exhibitions
2024
Girls Moto Power
Bread and Salt, San Diego
Group
2024
Art Through The Glass
Chula Vista Center, Chula Vista, CA
Group
2024
Light In Darkness
Expressive Arts, San Diego, CA
Group
2023
Female in Focus 2022
The Bridge and Tunnel. Brooklyn, NY
Group
2022
Female in Focus 2022
Photofusion Photography Centre. London, UK - October 2022
Group
2022
Just Women
Fondazione Luciana Matalon. Milan, Italy
Group
2022
6th edition of the Biennial of Fine Art & Documentary Photography
FotoNostrum Gallery. Spain, Barcelona.
Group
2021
“Escapism”
TwentyOne Gallery
Group
2021
Concept 2021
CICA Museum. Korea
Group
2021
Full Moon
The IN Gallery. San Diego, CA
Group
2021
Through the Eye" Women in Photography
WomensWork.Art Gallery. New York, NY
Group
2021
THE Passover
Israeli Art Market
Group
2021
Endurance
TwentyOne Gallery
Group
2021
Expressions
TwentyOne Gallery
Group
2021
Inner World
ArtDoc Magazine, UK
Group
2017
BLACK & WHITE
La Bodega Gallery. San Diego, CA.
Group
2017
Visual Story Telling
CoSpace Gallery. Portland, OR
Group
2017
Abstractionism
Hammond’s creative space. San Diego, CA
Group
2011
4 Elements of Culture
Las Vegas, NV
Solo
2010
Memories
Bellagio Casino. Caramel Lounge. Las Vegas, NV
Solo
Prizes and Awards
1854 Media and British Journal of Photography - Portrait of Humanity V.6 - Shortlisted, 2024
Budapest International Foto Awards - Honorable Mention in Category: Fine Art Portrait Honorable Mention in Category: Fine Art Portrait Issued Nov 2022
1854 Media and British Journal of Photography - FEMALE in FOCUS 2022
Tokyo International Foto Awards - Silver Winner in Category: People - Self Portrait. Dec 2021
Muse Photography Award - Gold Winner in Category: Fine Art Photography - Nudes, Aug 2021
The World Wide Photography Gala Awards - the 16th Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women Photographers - Honorable Mention in Category - Self Portrait, May 2021
Testimonial
Quote
This past week with Galina’s breast cancer photography event was the exact confidence building i needed to help me move past my 1 year and 8 months now. It has been exhausting draining and a roller coster of emotions dealing with my cancer. A million thank yous to Galina for making me feel confidant in my own mind and skin and hugging me and letting me cry on her shoulder literally.
Being photographed by Galina was such an empowering experience. I am typically uncomfortable in front of the camera and originally had mixed feelings about being photographed with my bald head and just a week after my double mastectomy, but Galina has such a positive energy that she immediately put me at ease. It is obvious that she is a genuine person who truly wants to empower women during their breast cancer journey. I truly appreciate her for her kindness and for capturing this time period in my life, which I most likely would never have thought to capture on my own. Thank you, Galina!
The experience of having photos with Galina was very therapeutic. I got a chance to try to embrace my new body after breast cancer took my left breast at age 38. I struggle every time I look in the mirror to try to accept my battle wound. The first time I looked at myself in the mirror, after my bandages were all gone, was traumatic. I was married to a cruel man who walked in on me while I was undressing in the mirror, trying to accept my scar. He made a noise as he saw me and at my most vulnerable moment, told me to “put that disgusting thing away” & said that I “wasn’t a woman any more”. I was devastated. As a single woman, I tell men upfront that I am a breast cancer survivor and strangers make me feel beautiful. Scars are reminders that we fought whatever tried to kill us and survived. I’m so grateful, by God’s grace, that I have been granted a second life. A life that I embrace and awake smiling every day, no matter what. I am determined to spread positivity and love throughout the community. No one will ever dim my light again. I am sunshine. I am a survivor
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