Olivia Pestova
Olivia Pestova is a New York-based street photographer. She has lived most of her life in New York and has European heritage. Olivia is an emerging artist with a daily studio practice since 2019. Her education is in business management, design, and linguistics.
Statement
I am a series narrator, inspired by the beauty of unfolding moments. My collections evolve unexpectedly. I may have an idea to focus on, but typically, when I am in a space that piques my curiosity, my attention is drawn to a different corner or direction, and I capture what speaks to me.
I learn with each photograph I take—about myself and the world around me.
My most recent work has been focused on the beauty of the countries I have visited—Portugal, France, and Italy.
My submission includes photographs from my Italia collection, which consists of multiple series. Seven photographs are from the Tenda series (https://oliviapestova.co/tenda), and three are from the Burano Colors series.
“Tenda” means door covering in Italian. It is used to protect the privacy of a home at night or when the door is left open. On the island of Burano in Northern Italy, tendas add a breathtaking touch to the atmosphere of this beautifully colorful town.
Burano Island, a precious place in the Veneto region, is known for its colorful homes and lace-making. Burano residents describe their home as tranquil and happy, though life on the island is not always easy. During my first visit to the island, seeing the tendas move with the early morning breeze and in the sunset light took my breath away.
The colors of Burano houses are subject to a specific color system established by the government. Residents beautifully complement their home colors with accessories, including tendas. The tenda holds cultural and emotional significance in Burano—it is cherished. Seeing the tendas transformed me and touched my heart in the most beautiful way.
I hope to share the beauty of this small Italian island with others through my eyes.
What initially sparked your interest in art?
I was born into a creative family. My uncle, one of my primary caretakers, was a black and white photographer, my father was an architect, and my grandmother worked in a museum of fine arts. And so my formative years were spent with exposure to photography, art, and the process of creating. I am surprised by the skills I picked up from my uncle as a child. Spending time with him in the dark room was fascinating.
I started photographing later in life. At first, it was a personal meditative and introspective practice. It still is and has evolved into much more.
What connects your work together and what keeps you creating?
My focus is making visible the poetic softness of the world with the hope of touching souls and telling stories that make the world a better place.
Describe your work using three words.
Sentimental. Soft. Poetic.
What are you most proud of as an artist, whether it's a specific moment or who you are as an artist?
I am grateful to have found so much joy in photography and I am proud of being dedicated to a daily practice and creating meaningful work.
If you could be in a two-person exhibition with any artist from history, who would it be and why?
Saul Leiter. It is said that Leiter did his best work walking around his downtown New York neighborhood. I relate. My practice started and evolved during my walks in New York. Leiter’s work touches and invites the viewer to see. I think we would understand each other.
