Ksenia Rybka is a contemporary fine-art photographer based in London, UK. Her lens becomes a gateway to an enchanting world where nature's geometrical forms, colors, textures, and ambience converge harmoniously. Being a PhD in natural sciences, Ksenia strives to implement a scientific approach to explore the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us, as well as ecological problems caused by human impact such as global warming, environmental pollution, deforestation, and others.

As a scientist whose main focus is soil and water studies, Ksenia's primary area of interest in landscape photography is soil erosion and degradation, desertification, as well as water pollution and scarcity, which lead to related social problems. Ksenia aims to show the strong connection between people and nature and the fragility of the balance between them. While some of her works are a contemplation of natural beauty, others are an attempt to delve into the geological history of our planet or even an existential search for answers to eternal questions such as life and death through seasonal and yearly changes in nature. Ksenia's artistic vision is both challenged and inspired by nature's infinite diversity, which presents an ever-changing palette of colors and textures. Through meticulous observation, Ksenia recognizes the delicate counterpoise of geometry that exists within nature's grand design — where straight lines meet curved contours and where asymmetry finds harmony in the midst of apparent chaos.

A hallmark of Ksenia's photography is an attempt to capture the essence of nature at all levels through a combination of various pictures — from sweeping aerial vistas of majestic volcanoes to macro shots and abstracts, from the gentle curves of rolling hills to the intricate patterns etched by rivers and streams. Each scene presents a unique opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between form and color, shadow and light, and to convey the essence of the natural world's timeless elegance. With a keen eye for composition and a profound appreciation for the beauty that lies in the details, Ksenia carefully selects her subjects, starting from main elements such as air and water and ending with animals and people. Due to longer exposure times, Ksenia's images are very dynamic and almost lifelike.

In some of her works, Ksenia acts as a kind of visual translator or interpreter from the language of nature into emotions and feelings that people can understand. Thus, cold and icy mountain lakes demonstrate serenity and detachment, while tropical coastal scenes are soothing and peaceful. In the art of landscape photography, patience becomes Ksenia's greatest ally, allowing her to wait for the precise moment when light, geometry, and ambiance converge in perfect harmony. These fleeting moments become the heart and soul of her work, capturing the viewer's imagination and inviting them to embark on their own journey of discovery.

Through her photographs, Ksenia strives to inspire a deeper connection with nature and to evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for the world around us. Ksenia hopes that her art will kindle a sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us and inspire others to explore and protect the precious landscapes that enrich our lives.

15.03.2023
Sarah Cerasi