Uldus Bakhtiozina: Wry photos that turn stereotypes upside down

Uldus, a photo-based artist from Russia, uses her work to challenge stereotypes about nationalities, genders, and social issues. Her project, Desperate Romantics, reinterprets pre-Raphaelite paintings to address contemporary issues in Russia. Through portraits of non-models, she highlights the struggles of individuals like a young dancer and a security guard, who hide their true selves to fit societal norms. Uldus employs irony and artistic techniques to convey her messages, including commentary on marriage expectations in Russia. Her work encourages viewers to be brave, ironic, and pursue their dreams.

What challenges does the 12-year-old dancer face in his social environment?

What societal expectations does Uldus discuss regarding marriage in Russia?