DARINA SHAPOSHNIKOVA
The Girl and the Horse

In this series, the horse—a timeless symbol of freedom and strength in Kazakh culture—becomes a bridge between humanity and nature. The images capture the girl and the horse in a state of silent unity, blurring the lines between the two. Bathed in surreal crimson light beneath the moonlit sky, they inhabit a liminal space: a dreamlike threshold between vulnerability and power, solitude and connection.

The horse, revered in Kazakh heritage not only as a companion but as a lifeline to the land, evokes themes of tradition, resilience, and identity. The surrounding landscapes, vast and eternal, further anchor the work in cultural memory, honoring the enduring bond between humans and the natural world. This series is a visual ode to harmony—where ancient symbolism meets contemporary storytelling, celebrating the spirit of Kazakh culture through the quiet yet powerful dialogue between the girl and the horse.

Website
darinaumka.com

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@darina.umka

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