INTA RUKA – THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER
2012-06-25For three decades now, Inta Ruka has been producing various series in which she portrays with characteristic empathy the people from rural and urban areas alike. To this end, she directs her gaze exclusively towards her fellow countrymen. She works with a 1937 6x6cm Rolleiflex aided by a tripod, but foregoes the use of artificial lighting.
The photographer meets her subjects outside their homes either at random or during arranged meetings, on the street, in courtyards or gardens. As a result, increasing familiarity triggers changes in the environment, in which the portrait is taken. Her subjects’ living conditions often play a decisive role in Inta Ruka’s photographs and simultaneously allow for an assessment of their personal relationship. Notwithstanding this aspect, the artist tends to opt for full-length portraits, semi-long shots, or close-ups. And so, the artist creates highly atmospheric silver-gelatine prints in 35 x 33 cm. For the most part, Ruka positions her subjects in a similar way to the Old Masters, namely at the centre of the frame. Despite their calm pose, sitting or standing, it still seems like a conversation had been taking place at the moment the photograph was shot.The beholder’s mistaken gaze, in combination with Inta Ruka’s personal dairy entries, which she has written on the walls beneath the photos in the exhibition, not only afford insights into the subject’s external surroundings but into their inner world too. Ruka’s sensitive, time-consuming, yet calm working process allows the masterful artist make staged photos appear completely spontaneous.
Opposite – Undine Audijane, Lundis Zamerovskis, 2005
Exhibition runs through till August 30th, 2012
Baukunst Galerie
Theodor-Heuss-Ring 7
D – 50668 Cologne
Germany
