Jana Šantavá

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Jana Šantavá, featured in AQ Volume V, is a fine art photographer from Bratislava, Slovakia, who graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava. She is interested in exploring themes of identity, introspection, and the human relationship with the surrounding environment. Šantavá is influenced by surrealism and visual storytelling, which allows her to merge emotions with bold visual narratives. She often uses elements such as mirrors, doppelgängers, and striking color contrasts to create layered interpretations of her subjects.

Šantavá’s work delves into the complexity of human emotions and societal constructs, particularly focusing on the inner lives of women. Her photography has been widely recognized, earning her prestigious awards, including Gold Winner at the 2023 Budapest International Foto Awards and PX3 de la Photographie Paris 2023, as well as Silver Winner at the World Photo Annual 2023.

Šantavá has exhibited her works in renowned galleries across Europe, such as those in Paris, Milan, Budapest, Athens, and Bratislava. Most recently, her solo exhibition Echoes of Identity was featured at the Slovak Institute in Berlin in 2024, coinciding with a diplomatic visit by the Slovak President.

Šantavá plans to continue exhibiting internationally, with upcoming presentations in New York and Los Angeles in 2025, further establishing her voice in the global art scene. Her art aspires to bridge personal introspection with universal human experiences, creating meaningful dialogues through photography.


http://www.janasantava.com/

What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to commit to this path?

I’ve always been captivated by the power of visual storytelling. Growing up in Bratislava, I was surrounded by a mix of modernity and history, which deeply influenced my perspective. I decided to commit to this path during my studies at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design when I realized photography could be my voice to explore identity, emotions, and the human experience.


Could you share the story or concept behind your recent work?

My recent series, Echoes of Identity, examines the fragmented nature of self-perception and relationships. Using mirrors, shadows, and vibrant contrasts, I aimed to create visual metaphors for the dualities we experience: closeness and distance, strength and vulnerability, reality and dream. It’s deeply personal yet universal in its exploration of human introspection.


What was the most challenging part of your path so far? How are you navigating this obstacle?

The most challenging part has been balancing my creative vision with practical constraints, especially when preparing for international exhibitions. Navigating this involves staying true to my artistic intent while being open to collaboration and meticulous planning.


What role does experimentation and exploration play in your artistic practice?

Experimentation is at the core of my process. I love pushing boundaries, whether it’s with unconventional materials, surrealistic compositions, or symbolic storytelling. Each experiment brings new insights and adds layers to my work.


Do you have any beginning or end rituals before creating?

Before I start, I immerse myself in music or silence to set my mood. Then I take a walk or do a few drawings to process what I've created and reconnect with my thoughts.


What message do you hope your art conveys to the world?

I hope my art inspires people to embrace vulnerability and self-reflection. It’s a call to question societal norms and to connect more deeply with themselves and others.


Share a mantra or favorite quote that keeps you going.

"Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable." This reminds me to push boundaries and remain fearless in expressing my truth