There’s a poignancy and a lifelike quality to Hunar Daga’s photography that combines immaculately with her understanding of the human form and how its place within the structures in the world that we live in. Her pictures light up seemingly ordinary scenes and characters with a vibrant glow that we can only assume come from her fascination with both light and shadow. The young photographer spoke to us about how she goes about her craft as well as the various artists and individuals that influence her.
Could you tell us a little about the projects you work on?
I’ve always having had a passion for art and being creative but I found my zen in looking through the viewfinder. Though a lot of my work focuses on fashion, I’m very passionate about any creative project I get to work on. My mood based imagery is driven and directed by light, a sense of feeling, nostalgia and curiosity in my subject. I strongly believe in the idea of brutal simplicity, which translates to a minimal and clean approach in my work
What are some of your biggest inspirations over the years of your artistic career?
I get inspired by my surroundings and my surroundings keep changing. But some things that have been a constant source of inspiration to me is light and shadow. The way it shapes and gives character to anything is magical. Apart from that travel, especially to the mountains and exploring is something that keeps me going and inspires me always. I learn and get inspired by something new each time. I’m also very inspired by the human body in terms of the movements and shapes it creates. It’s something I’m looking to explore further.
Describe your creative process and the purpose with which you create.
My process of creating isn’t very elaborate and depends on my inspiration at that time or what the project is about. Some require a little bit researching. I usually start by visualizing and making a moodboard or sketching some visuals onto a sheet of paper. This is just to get a basic sense of ideology, direction and a starting point. From then on I just flow with it. A photograph should make you feel something only then its a good photograph.(always affect the viewer, move them , make them stop and look at it and feel something.) this is my purpose with which I create.
What are some of your biggest influences as an artist?
While travel plays a very important part in my work there are many things that I’m influenced by. Light & Shadow, Minimalism, Mirrors and Reflections are a big part of how I see things.
What are some things you learn while putting projects together?
I’m constantly learning from every project I work on. Sometimes it’s learning more about me and my process and other times its learning and gaining new perspectives from my collaborators. I learnt that the process of creating is superior sometimes.
Who are some artists who are currently on your radar?
Artists on my radar keep evolving depending on my state of inclination. Elizaveta Porodina was a huge inspiration to me when I had just started out. Her work had a sense of beautiful clean surrealism which was moving. Currently Jack Davison is serving as great inspiration to me. His imagery, tones and compositions are super compelling. I love how he uses layers and mystery in his work which is enough for you to understand what he is wanting to communicate. I also really enjoy Bharat Sikka’s work.
A project you wish you were a part of?
I don’t really have a particular project in mind right now, but there are certain kind of projects I want to be a part of. I usually love any project that allows you liberty of creativity and exploration. Apart from Editorial Fashion work and Brand Campaigns I would love to explore art, culture,Spaces ,Travel & Documentation .
You can follow Hunar’s work here.
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