Jun 19

Dasha Pears

Written by Cassie Mckenzie, curator, M.A. in museum studies.

Dasha Pears is a celebrated photographer whose work has garnered significant acclaim on platforms like Saatchi Art. Known for her theatrical approach to photography, Pears meticulously designs each scene, using props and actors to bring her visions to life. Her innovative method has led to exhibitions at renowned galleries such as Tint Gallery in San Francisco, The Gallery Steiner in Vienna, and Blank Wall Gallery in Athens. Dasha has also received numerous awards, including honors from the Fine Art Photography and Chromatic Awards. Her work has been featured in esteemed publications like Huffington Post, L'Oeil de la Photographie, and Dodho Magazine.

The photographic style captivates fusion of reality and imagination. She approaches her art with the precision of a theatre director, constructing elaborate scenes with carefully selected and created props, actors, and locations. Each photograph remains born from a concept, often sparked by emotions or abstract ideas. After capturing the initial images, Dasha employs Photoshop to manipulate and enhance the scenes, infusing surreal elements and refining details to achieve her desired impact. Such a meticulous process yields visually stunning images which are appealing and rich in human behavior and emotion, beckoning viewers to delve into the body language, interaction, reaction, and relationships with environments encapsulated within each frame. The figures in the photographs are often fashionable and chic, usually sporting designer outfits and dresses interacting with spatial environments, representing a standard and aesthetic which enhances contemporary standards of beauty. Subjects within Dasha’s compositions react in a playful manner with specially designed objects such as colorful spheres and geometric balloons, as if expressing a notion in which design elements are amusing toys and manners of pleasure to the mind.

Blood Moon (pictured above), a captivating piece by Dasha, delves into themes of isolation and journey. The photograph features a solitary figure traversing a path that ascends upward, marked by bold, sweeping lines and a vivid red moon. The lines instill a sense of movement and direction, guiding the viewer's gaze toward the figure and the celestial body. The color palette, dominated by black, white, and red, heightens the dramatic and surreal ambiance. ‘Blood Moon’ encapsulates a moment of introspection, urging viewers to contemplate the journey and the destination.

In Pool (pictured above), Dasha showcases her theatrical approach with a minimalist yet powerful composition. Pool depicts a figure reclining on a curved bench, arms outstretched, facing a monumental yellow orb. The setting is characterized by clean lines and a harmonious color palette of white and yellow. The orb, reminiscent of the sun, casts a symbolic light on the scene, suggesting themes of enlightenment, tranquility, and cosmic connection. Symmetry and balance in the composition highlight Dasha's meticulous attention to detail, creating a serene and contemplative visual experience.

Dasha Pears’ unique blend of theatrical direction and digital artistry distinguishes her in the contemporary art scene. Her ability to create and manipulate scenes into captivating unfamiliarity remains a testament to her creativity and skill. Through carefully crafted geometry and symmetry, the compositions offer insight into concepts of precision and balance. She invites viewers into her meticulously crafted worlds, each image a journey waiting to be explored. Dasha’s innovative approach continues to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide, solidifying her position as a leading contemporary photographer.