Interview with Photographer Wowa Romaniuk
BRUTAL NOSTALGIA AND SURREAL FUTURE
Photographer Wowa Romaniuk explores the uncanny and surreal in everyday life
Words by Sabrina Garnier
Based in Lviv Ukraine, Photographer Wowa Romaniuk captures post-soviet everyday life with a theatrical twist to create uncanny scenes set against brutalist soviet architecture.
Wowa Romaniuk, 2019
Romaniuk’s photography is eerie and at the same time emblematic of the post-Soviet cultural shift, toying with deja-vu, imagination and intimacy to express authenticity with captivating cinematic characteristics. The brutalist post-Soviet architecture plays a focal part in the story-telling of his work, immortalising a shift in identity and creative expression.
Tell us about your work and the way you shoot and your inspiration?
Romaniuk:
‘ I shoot with a simple point-and-shoot, so I can always take it with me wherever I go. I construct a scene from start to finish and look for characteristics that evoke nostalgic 80s & 90s youth and elements that fit the environment to create an atmosphere.
My work is inspired by the spirit of the Perestroika Generation, which was a political movement for reformation within the Communist Party of the Soviet Union during the 1980s. Figures such as Viktor Tsoi and Yanka Dyagielvea are also inspirations, especially Viktor Tsoi / Kino (band).
The Soviet cinema has greatly influenced my work; I love Tarkovski’s movies, Soviet comedies like Office Romance, The diamond arm, and The film Brother is also close to my heart. When it comes to photography, I admire Boris Mikhailov the most.’
Since post-Soviet architecture is one of your themes, do you have a favourite place in mind?
Tarilka, Kyiv in Ukraine
Romaniuk:
‘ One of my favourite modernist gems is located in Kyiv in Ukraine. It’s called “Tarilka” by the locals meaning “plate” or UFO building because it resembles an alien ship. The authorities wanted to demolish this building and replace it with a shopping centre, but the people from Save Kyiv Modernism Community did not allow it and protested. As a sign of solidarity with the protest, I have a tattoo of this building on my leg. ’
“Photography for me has become a way to create a surrealistic world that is constructed in post-soviet locations.
”
