Editorial: Project 'Protect Me' By Photographer Aleksandra Sachenko Featuring Model Melissa Ermishina.
The passionate "PROTECT ME" project is a topic we resonate with on a deeper level and It was spearheaded by photographer Aleksandra Sachenko, who has been featured previously in OTS Magazine UK, which features model and actress Melissa Ermishina as its face. The project was styled by Sachenko, who also designed the outfit worn in the project photo series, with help from photographer Anna Subbotina and makeup artist/hair stylist Anastasiia Lykova. Finally, the creative director is none other than the talented and driven Aleksandra Sachenko.
Aleksandra creates artistic photo projects like the one we are about to see below, some of which have been published in magazines all over the world. She skillfully navigates the artistic boundaries and emphasizes the vulnerability and simultaneous beauty of these two spheres through photography.
Tell us more about the Project "Protect Me":
The idea for the presented photo project arose from a desire to connect two pressing issues that I encounter in everyday life: environmental pollution and social inequality (through the lens of women's rights protection). Surely, you notice how much garbage is around, how much plastic the sea throws out after each storm, and so on, literally poisoning the life of each of us. On the other hand, systematic oppression and violation of the rights of every woman in society prevent women from living peacefully and fully. Think about it, as women are often limited in high salaries, career advancement, subjected to mental and physical violence, and so on. All these actions are carried out by the same society that pollutes nature.
Thus, the primary source of these two problems in modern society is society itself.
That's why I decided to converge these two problems at one point, showing that the source of these problems ultimately comes from each of us.
Therefore, I decided to showcase two acute socio-legal issues through the prism of photography and one woman. At this stage, it is important to note that I used the image of the model SIMULTANEOUSLY in two spheres: as an embodiment of nature and as an embodiment of a woman.
What can people anticipate from your initiative, and please describe its creation so that we may better grasp your beliefs and enthusiasm about this project?
The photo project features three images that I specially sewed myself to immerse you even more in the main idea.
I will start with the concept of the "White Dress" (pictured above):
The white dress is a symbol of purity, analogous to sea foam (pay attention to the fabric itself, the assembly, and the length of the sleeves), simulating waves and foam on their crests, as well as the long threads - splashes.
The same analogy is carried out in the model's makeup: light lines on the eyes, pink, as if slightly bitten lips. The girl emerges from the water, symbolizing both nature and woman: pure, light, unburdened by social frameworks - like a woman, or pollution - like nature. She is pure, light, and free.
Amazing!. and the Black Dress?
A completely different story with the long black dress:
The fabric itself is an analogy of two components: for nature, it is spilled oil/plastic, for women - all that negativity and those social demands and simultaneous suppression. All of this seems to stretch behind the model, restraining her movements, making her more vulnerable, and oppressed, not allowing her to live normally. Hence the idea of a long hem, which is divided into 4 parts: all of this (both environmental pollution and social oppression) comes from different sides of society.
I want you to pay attention to the landscape: lifeless, as if dried-up land (actually, stones). Special attention should be paid to the photos where the model seems to be trying to emerge from the depths (she is clearly visible in the frame), and the dress clings to her and pulls her down, not allowing her to leave this abyss. This is how society tightens with its "normalcy" This is the attitude towards both nature and women.
I feel so fortunate to have been able to see this amazing project and how well you have caught this passionate notion and idea. I am smiling so much and have tears in my eyes just looking at how you have translated this idea for us all to see. Please tell us about the Green Outfit, I have been eager to know what that represents even though I have a little Idea, I would love to hear from you.
The last look is The green plastic wrap.
I deliberately chose this color and texture because, on the one hand, it seems like ordinary sea mud, seemingly a normal and even familiar thing. After all, mud in the water is almost always present, and that's how it should be. But if you look closely, it's plastic that has enveloped the model, bound her, but at the same time looks like an ordinary dress of a strange texture. So it is in life: pollution has become practically the norm, and the violation of rights is a regularity of gender differences. We notice these problems, but so few people are ready to truly see them and work on their solutions. For most, these problems have become almost "routine."
Melissa, I must admit that you and Aleksandra put a lot of effort into this project. Could you share your opinions with us and describe the experience of working with Aleksandra to bring this project to life?
All my life I have been involved in one way or another with the stage and acting. Even after receiving my computer science degree, I continued to take classes and participate in stage improvisation. Modeling became a part of my life after moving to Montenegro.
Since then I have had many collaborations with different ideas, teams, and shooting conditions.
Aleksandra is without a doubt, my favorite photographer. I love her ideas and the way she implements them and brings them to life. Working with Aleksandra as an organizer is great because she gets things done, she cares about the comfort of team members and is professional, responsive, and incredibly witty. It’s a pleasure to prepare for a photo shoot with her because we see eye to eye. She shares the idea in detail and answers all my questions - She makes sure I have enough material to understand my character; she prepares a lot of references - I try them on and can connect with the character through my body and understand the vision more deeply; Aleksandra plans all the processes - I can focus on preparation to achieve the best visual result. This attitude continues on the set, where I focus on my work, not paying attention to splashing water and sharp stones, and Aleksandra takes care of my well-being while taking the best shots.
Why was it important for you to be a part of this project?
I wanted to take part in this particular project because the topic of women and their representation resonates with me. At 21 years old, with a college degree in a male-dominated field and experience as a model, I am influenced by the image of women in society from different perspectives. Although my information bubble is safe and knowledgeable on this topic, I still feel the frameworks, expectations, and assumptions in which we are trapped. I'm glad to be part of a project that brings attention to him. Given that nature is a beautiful, fundamental yet vulnerable figure influenced by humans, on set I felt strong in my weakness, supported by the eternity of existence, rather than feeling small and broken. This is one of the many reasons why I like Aleksandra's ideas and their versatility.
Overall, I enjoyed working with Aleksandra again. This project has been both challenging and exciting for me, and I am honored and proud to be a part of it and to be able to talk about it. Thank you.
Team Credits:
Project: Protect Me
Photographer- Aleksandra Sachenko @a__vinichenko
Assistant Photographer- Anna Subbotina @annoleander
Model- Melissa Ermishina @_melissimo
Designer- Aleksandra Sachenko @a__vinichenko
Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist- Anastasiia Lykova @tasia_cosmos
Stylist- Aleksandra Sachenko
Creative Director- Aleksandra Sachenko
Location: Montenegro
-----
Do not copy, save, download, or use any image in this post without our express written permission.
To Book A Feature Or Interview Email:
contact@otsmagazine.com
Don't Forget To Follow Us On Our Instagram Page (Here)
0 comments