Artist Statement
Self Love Club
Since childhood, I’ve been deeply drawn to the theme of diversity. I myself don’t have particularly unusual features or a striking personality, but I’ve always admired people who are strange, different, unlike the rest. Growing up in the Soviet Union — where the main rule was “don’t stand out, be like everyone else” — I constantly tried to break away from the grey uniformity that surrounded me. I tried to stand out with unusual clothes I made myself and with unconventional hairstyles. For that, I was bullied at school, mocked, and ridiculed in the streets. So much time has passed since then, and society’s attitude toward diversity has shifted — but even now, I still witness rejection and judgment toward people with unconventional appearances. It always fills me with anger and a deep urge to protect them, to show the world how beautiful it is that we are all different.
I met Sophie at an exhibition of her paintings, which all are self portraits, and I was struck by the contrast between her beauty and the self-hatred reflected in her art.
In this photographic series, Sophie takes us through the emotional whiplash of someone caught in the grip of their own self-image. By allowing us into her world, she grants us the chance to feel the weight of these emotions and, perhaps, to better understand the experience of living in a body that defies conventional expectations.
Artist Bio
Mari Saxon is a Russian-born conceptual photographer based in Central MA, USA. With an academic background in the arts and an award-winning career in architecture, she brings structural and narrative perceptiveness to her imagery. Photography became her primary medium after she relocated to USA in 2022 and left architecture behind.
Through staged realities and character-driven narratives, she explores identity, transformation, and the
unconventional beauty, blending absurdity with psychological depth. Her works have been awarded, published, and displayed in 30+ exhibitions internationally. In addition to her practice, she leads workshops and artist talks, fostering dialogue on diversity, perception, and personal myth-making.
Her works have been internationally published, displayed in 30+ exhibitions nationally and internationally, and awarded (incl. Women by Women (PhotoVogue global open call) (Italy), Life Framer (USA), Colors Awards (USA), Phodar Festival (Bulgaria), Critical Mass Top 200 award (USA), IPA by Lucie Foundation (USA), FAPA (UK), Hamburg Portfolio Review (DE).)
In addition to her practice, she leads workshops and artist talks, fostering dialogue on diversity, self exploration, and personal myth-making.
saxonmari@gmail.com
https://saxonphoto.tilda.ws/art
Instagram @marisaxon.art