Anastasia Samoylova, a contemporary artist with a keen eye for the captivating, has risen to prominence in the world of observational photography. Her journey, marked by a deep fascination with color and patterns, has taken her from the agricultural landscapes of southern Russia to the vibrant streets of Florida, shaping a unique perspective that transcends geographical boundaries.
Samoylova’s early life, immersed in a visual tapestry of propaganda posters, colorful advertisements, and the iconic red-and-gold palette of the Russian Orthodox church, instilled within her a profound appreciation for the power of visuals. This innate ability to decipher the stories hidden within color schemes has become the cornerstone of her artistic practice.
As a rising artist, Samoylova’s work has garnered critical acclaim and earned her a coveted spot in the contemporary art world. Her photographs, often born from her explorations across Florida, delve into pressing societal issues, including environmentalism, gentrification, and the complexities of political fanaticism.
In “Gatorama” (2020), Samoylova masterfully captures the juxtaposition of nature and decay, showcasing an alligator bathed in a rusty, abandoned pool against a vibrant bubble-gum pink backdrop. “Lost Wig” (2017), a Medusa-like composition featuring a stranded hairpiece layered over a person’s shadow, evokes a sense of both vulnerability and resilience. And in “Gun Shop, Port Orange” (2019), she draws attention to the stark contrast between the cheerful façade of a mint green Floridian building and the dark silhouettes of firearms displayed within.
Samoylova’s artistic journey reached a significant milestone earlier this year when she became the first living female photographer to headline an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 33 years. Curated by Mia Feinman, “Floridas: Anastasia Samoylova and Walker Evans,” on view until May 11, 2025, pairs Samoylova’s captivating Floridas series with iconic works by Walker Evans, a renowned American photographer whose work has profoundly influenced Samoylova’s artistic vision.
Adding to her growing list of accolades, Samoylova will have a major solo exhibition at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach next year, further cementing her position as a leading figure in contemporary photography.
Though her path to success has been anything but linear, Samoylova’s dedication to her craft has been unwavering. Her journey, marked by geographic and cultural transitions, has shaped her artistic perspective and fueled her unwavering passion for capturing the essence of her surroundings.
Born in Moscow in the 1990s, Samoylova’s artistic journey began with an interest in photography during her studies at the Russian State University for the Humanities. With a camera gifted by her mother, she began freelancing as a commercial photographer before relocating to the American Midwest to pursue an MFA at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.
After several years as a college professor, Samoylova made a pivotal decision to dedicate herself entirely to her art. This leap of faith led her to Miami, where her observational photographs evolved into “FloodZone,” an environmentally driven series exploring the city’s volatile weather patterns and the impact of rising sea levels.
This poignant body of work was the centerpiece of her first museum exhibition, held at the USF Contemporary Art Museum in Tampa in 2020, marking the beginning of her meteoric rise in the art world.
Inspired by her surroundings and fueled by a desire to explore the complexities of the American landscape, Samoylova embarked on a series of road trips across Florida, capturing the state’s contradictions and peculiarities through her lens.
Her “Floridas” series, a collection of evocative images that echo the spirit of Walker Evans’s influential “American Photographs,” earned her widespread recognition and acclaim. Samoylova’s work, like Evans’s, reflects the power of photography to shed light on the social and political landscapes of the time.
Samoylova’s commitment to her art and her determination to forge her own path in a male-dominated field have earned her respect and admiration from her peers and collectors alike. Her work, often characterized by its visual sophistication and acute sensitivity to color, has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Her ability to capture the beauty and complexity of everyday life, coupled with her willingness to confront challenging social issues, has made Samoylova a prominent voice in the contemporary art world. Her work is a testament to the power of observation, the importance of artistic vision, and the unwavering commitment required to navigate the often-unpredictable path of an artist.