Aleona Burakova
WOMAN'S ID
13 (Tue) ~ 18 (Sun) May 2025
11:00 -18:00
Informed by contemporary ideas of posthumanism, Woman’s ID explores the body as a place where identity takes shape in an increasingly digital world. It emphasizes the importance of the physical form in understanding connection and selfhood, offering a thoughtful response to the growing sense of disembodiment brought about by virtual environments. The project also presents the body as an archive that holds personal and collective histories, expressed through its shapes, textures and vulnerabilities. By drawing attention to the breast as a site of memory and meaning, Burakova invites viewers to reflect on the layered stories carried by the human form.
In this exploration, a Woman’s ID is her nipple. By focusing on this intimate feature, the works encourage a reconsideration of cultural perceptions surrounding female nudity and sexuality. The nipple appears as a symbol not only of beauty but of nourishment, the bond between mother and child, and personal strength in the face of fear or illness. The project adds to ongoing conversations about female embodiment and invites viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and to embrace the richness and complexity of femininity.
WOMAN'S ID E-BOOK
The exhibition is accompanied by the upcoming art photo book Woman’s ID. Prior to its official publication, visitors will be invited to download a PDF version for a symbolic price. More than a catalogue, the book expands on the exhibition’s themes, offering an intimate and portable engagement with its ideas.
"Woman’s ID" is a photo series born from deeply personal experience, reflection and resilience. My journey toward this project began with a pivotal life moment: undergoing surgery to remove a breast tumor. That experience changed how I viewed the breast, no longer just a part of the body but a powerful symbol of femininity, life and intergenerational connection.
During recovery, I turned to art as a means of healing and self-expression. By profession, I am a psychotherapist specializing in art therapy, and I began to apply those practices to my own healing process. At the time, I was facing deep psychological trauma and had to learn to accept and even love my breast despite its altered shape.
I started by sketching breasts on faceless bodies, exploring their beauty and significance in the context of female identity. Soon, I transitioned to photography, focusing on the breast as a site of generational continuity, from the tender touch of a partner to the nourishment of a newborn.
"Woman’s ID" reflects my contemplation of the breast as a personal identifier that embodies both sexuality and motherhood. This collection is a celebration of diversity, individuality and the beauty of the female form, each image telling its own story. It invites viewers to reflect on the profound connections embodied in the nipple as a symbol of nourishment, love and the cycle of life.
In creating "Woman’s ID," I not only aimed to share my story but also to pay tribute to the inexhaustible power of the female body and spirit, the same forces that sustain life. This work is my contribution to the conversation around femininity, echoing the personal narratives of many women and calling on us to cherish each woman as a unique work of art.
Aware of the complexity and taboo surrounding this subject, I share the Woman’s ID project in this book to draw your attention and encourage you to approach my research with an open mind and without prejudice.
Aleona Burakova
Aleona Burakova
Aleona Burakova: A Multifaceted Creative Visionary Aleona Burakova emerges as a dynamic creative visionary, mastering various artistic mediums that enrich her profound journey of self-expression. With a distinguished background in psychology and art therapy, she channels her expertise into her captivating photography, illuminating a path of profound introspection and empathy. Born and raised in the cultural tapestry of St. Petersburg, Aleona's education in philology and psychology forms the bedrock of her artistic endeavors. Drawing from her professional insights, she skillfully weaves the human experience into her art, making each photograph an emotional odyssey. After traversing through the vibrant landscapes of Europe, India, Southeast Asia, and Tanzania, Aleona found her sanctuary on the enchanting island of Bali, Indonesia. In the heart of Ubud, she established her own art studio, a creative haven that serves as the birthplace of her soul-stirring works. For Aleona, art is more than just a pursuit; it is a way of life—a ceaseless source of purpose and joy. Her artistic process is fluid and instinctual, as she engages in a poignant dialogue with the world around her. The spontaneity of her approach unveils unexplored emotions, inviting viewers to venture into the depths of their own feelings. As an art therapist, Aleona recognizes the profound therapeutic qualities of art. Like a skilled alchemist, she transforms emotions into evocative visual narratives, fostering connections that transcend cultural and societal barriers. Her art is not just an exploration of self but an invitation for others to embark on their own transformative journeys. Each of Aleona's photographs resonates with the echoes of shared humanity, capturing the beauty in the mundane and the extraordinary. Her art transcends mere aesthetics, as she gracefully immortalizes fleeting moments infused with meaning and significance. In a world where empathy often seems fleeting, Aleona's art beckons us to rekindle our understanding of one another. Her images are a testament to the strength of our shared human experience, inspiring us to embrace our vulnerabilities and celebrate our resilience. Through her lens, Aleona Burakova reveals the essence of human existence—an eternal dance between joy and sorrow, growth and reflection. Her captivating artistry invites us to peer beyond the surface, connecting us with the emotions that bind us together as a global community. In a world touched by her art, compassion reigns supreme, and the beauty of life finds new dimensions.