Marta Syrko
“In the face of tragedy, beauty becomes a beacon—a way to remind us that even in our darkest moments, there is light, resilience, and the potential for growth.”
Thomas Berlin: Marta, it's great that we have the opportunity to do this interview, thanks to Nadia, our mutual friend. Since you are both a commercial photographer and a fine art photographer, I would like to focus on your artistic activities.
Your photography includes portraits, often in connection with water, but also topics with an apparently special concern. I was struck by your series of pictures with children with Down syndrome and your Sculptures series with pictures of people injured in war. What drives you in your work?
Marta Syrko: Photography, for me, is a way of exploring and understanding the complexity of human emotions and experiences. I am deeply fascinated by the interplay of strength and vulnerability, and how these contrasts define us as individuals and as a society. My work often revolves around themes that are deeply personal yet universal, allowing me to tell stories that resonate on multiple levels.
When I photograph people, whether it’s children with Down syndrome or individuals whose bodies have been altered by war, my goal is to reveal their inner strength, beauty, and humanity. These are not just images; they are conversations about acceptance, resilience, and the way we perceive and define "perfection" in a world that can be both harsh and beautiful.
Water, which plays a significant role in my work, symbolizes distortion and transformation. It reflects how reality can be fluid and multifaceted, just like the human spirit. Whether I’m working on portraits submerged in water or creating the Sculptures series, I aim to show how external appearances—scarred, imperfect, or unique—are a testament to our inner strength and stories of survival.
Thomas Berlin: You mentioned a world “that can be both harsh and beautiful". What do you perceive as beautiful and what role does that play in your work in the face of so much tragedy that you also perceive?
Marta Syrko: In the face of tragedy, beauty becomes a beacon—a way to remind us that even in our darkest moments, there is light, resilience, and the potential for growth. It’s this duality of harshness and beauty that fuels my work, inspiring me to create images that not only document but also transform the way we perceive ourselves and each other. Beauty, for me, is a reminder of our shared humanity and the power of hope.
Thomas Berlin: Your photos often seem to be influenced by painting, I am thinking of antiquity and the Renaissance. Are you inspired by that?
Marta Syrko: Absolutely. The Renaissance and antiquity are profound sources of inspiration for me. I am deeply moved by the humanism of the Renaissance—the way artists of that time celebrated the human form, emotions, and intellect. Their approach to capturing beauty, imperfection, and vulnerability resonates strongly with my own vision.
I have a deep admiration for Greco-Roman sculptures, which, despite the passage of time and physical damage, continue to radiate strength and timeless beauty. They embody resilience, a theme I explore in my work, especially in my Sculptures series, where I portray individuals who bear visible marks of life's challenges, such as soldiers injured in war. For me, these scars are akin to the broken edges of ancient statues—they tell stories of survival, transformation, and strength.
Thomas Berlin: And that is why you have endowed the images of the wounded soldiers from Russia's attack on Ukraine with the dignity of Greco-Roman statues. As a sign of respect and dignity, which the people in your pictures still radiate despite their terrible injuries? The term ‘dignity’ generally comes to mind when I look at your photos, both in the war veterans and in the children's pictures. Is that an artistic concept or also an expression of your attitude as a person?
Marta Syrko: Dignity is indeed both an artistic concept and a reflection of my personal values. As an artist and a person, I believe in the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances or physical appearance. This belief naturally permeates my work.
Ultimately, my work is a testament to the belief that dignity is not dependent on perfection or conventional ideals. It is an innate quality that shines through even in the face of adversity, and it is this quality that I hope to convey in every photograph I create.
Thomas Berlin: Does inspiration come to you easily or are there ways for you to stimulate creativity? And do you feel your creativity when planning a shoot or in the middle of it?
Inspiration doesn’t always come easily, especially given the challenging situation in my country right now. It can be hard to find the emotional and mental space for creativity when surrounded by so much uncertainty and pain. However, I believe in resilience and the power of art as a way to process and express what words often cannot. I refuse to give up and am constantly working to pull myself together and find ways to keep creating. I often feel my creativity most intensely in the middle of a shoot. That’s when everything—ideas, emotions, and the unexpected—comes together. It’s a dynamic process where inspiration can strike unexpectedly, whether it’s the way light falls, a gesture from the subject, or the atmosphere of the moment. Those unplanned, organic elements often become the heart of my work. Creativity for me is both planned and spontaneous, and that balance is what makes the process so fulfilling.
Thomas Berlin: Do you have an example of a plan that was enriched by spontaneous ideas or situations?
Marta Syrko: This kind of spontaneity often emerges in my work with water as well. The way water interacts with the subject—how it distorts, reflects, or refracts light—often leads to unexpected textures and layers that I embrace as part of the creative process. These moments of serendipity enrich the planned concept, making the final image more authentic and emotionally resonant.
Creativity, for me, thrives in that balance between structure and the willingness to adapt and respond to the moment. It’s in those unguarded, spontaneous instances that the magic often happens.
Thomas Berlin: How do you work with light? And what role does it play?
Marta Syrko: For me, light is not just an element of photography; it is a language in itself. It shapes the mood, highlights textures, and reveals the emotions in a frame. Every detail matters—how the light interacts with the subject, the shadows it creates, and the way it transforms the overall composition.
I see light as both a technical tool and an artistic medium. Whether I’m using natural light, studio lighting, or experimenting with reflections and water, I strive to achieve a balance between control and creativity. Light has the power to emphasize the strength of my subjects, soften their vulnerabilities, and create the surreal, painterly atmosphere that defines much of my work.
In every shoot, I take the time to observe and adjust the light until it perfectly aligns with my vision. It’s this dedication to precision and detail that allows me to bring depth and meaning to my photographs. Light is the heartbeat of my images—it transforms ideas into emotions and helps me tell stories in the most powerful way.
Thomas Berlin: The balance between control and creativity seems to be a recurring theme in your work. How does it feel when you look at the results? When are you satisfied with a picture or a series of yours?
Marta Syrko: When I look at the results of my work, it often feels like a dialogue between the initial vision I had and the unexpected elements that emerged during the process. Satisfaction for me comes when the final image or series transcends my original expectations, carrying an emotional depth or narrative that feels authentic and complete.
A series, on the other hand, satisfies me when the images collectively create a cohesive story or exploration of a theme. Each photograph should contribute to the narrative while standing strong on its own. I often revisit my work after some time has passed to view it with fresh eyes, and that’s when I can truly gauge its impact.
Honestly, I’m never completely satisfied. There’s always a part of me that feels I could have done better, that there’s more to learn and achieve. This sense of striving for improvement keeps me motivated and pushes me to grow as an artist.
Every picture or series I create is a step on a journey. While I may appreciate certain aspects of my work—an emotion I captured, the way light falls, or the connection with my subject—I’m always thinking about how I can push my boundaries further. I believe that this constant pursuit of "better" is what drives creativity and evolution in art.
I hope that with time, experience, and learning, I’ll come closer to realizing my vision. But for now, I embrace this restlessness as part of my process. It’s a reminder that art is never finished—it’s an ongoing exploration of who we are and how we see the world.
Thomas Berlin: What is a good picture in general, regardless of your own art?
Marta Syrko: A good photograph tells a story or evokes a moment that stays with you long after you’ve seen it. It’s not just about composition, light, or technique, though these are important; it’s about the soul of the image. A truly great picture captures something genuine—a fleeting glance, a subtle gesture, or an unspoken emotion.
Thomas Berlin: This brings us to the question of the effect of a work of art, which may change over time. What unspoken emotion do you want to evoke in the recipients?
Marta Syrko: The unspoken emotion I hope to evoke in the recipients of my work is a sense of profound connection—both to the subject and to their own humanity. I want my photographs to resonate in a way that goes beyond words, touching on universal feelings like resilience, empathy, and the beauty of imperfection.
For instance, when viewers look at my Sculptures series, I hope they feel an overwhelming respect for the strength and dignity of the individuals portrayed, while also reflecting on their own perceptions of vulnerability and courage.
Over time, as viewers grow and experience new things, their interpretations of the work may shift—and that’s the magic of art. I aim to create images that continue to speak to people, inviting them to see not just the subjects, but themselves, in a more nuanced and compassionate light.
Thomas Berlin: Let's get more specific and talk about your various artistic work groups, for which we have created a basis for understanding in our conversation so far. I would like to start with your fine art portraits. These are beautiful, dreamy and often involve water. What role do your models play, do they play a role or do you want to show their personality?
Marta Syrko: In my fine art portraits, the models play a central role—not just as subjects but as collaborators in creating the final image. Each person brings their own energy, emotions, and story, which are essential to the depth and authenticity of the work. While the aesthetic often leans towards the dreamy and surreal, I strive to ensure that the individuality of the model remains visible and integral to the portrait.
Water, which is a recurring element in my portraits, acts as a medium to enhance this collaboration. It distorts and transforms the subject’s appearance, creating a visual metaphor for the complexity of identity and perception. This interplay between the model’s personality and the surreal qualities of water allows me to explore layers of emotion and meaning that might not be immediately apparent.
I don’t aim to impose a narrative on my models; instead, I seek to amplify what is already present in them—their vulnerability, strength, or even their silence. Through the creative process, I hope to reveal something about their inner world, while also inviting viewers to find their own interpretations and connections.
Ultimately, my goal is to create portraits that celebrate the individuality of the model while also transcending the personal to touch on universal themes. The dreamy quality of the work reflects not just the subject’s essence but also the shared human experience of searching for meaning, beauty, and connection.
Thomas Berlin: I heard that you are or were afraid of water. Is dealing with water in photography a way of dealing with your fear? Or even losing that fear?
Marta Syrko: Yes, absolutely. My relationship with water is deeply personal. I used to be afraid of water and couldn’t even swim, but when I started incorporating water into my photography, it became a way to confront and explore that fear. By working with water as a medium, I found myself gradually drawn to its beauty, fluidity, and transformative power.
This process inspired me to take swimming lessons, and while I’m still working on fully overcoming my fear, I’ve learned to approach it with more confidence and curiosity. Water has become not just a challenge, but also a source of inspiration—a space where I can push my boundaries both creatively and personally.
Carmen - imagery for the Dutch National Opera and Ballet
Giulio Cesare - imagery for the Dutch National Opera and Ballet
In my work, water symbolizes distortion, transformation, and vulnerability. It reflects how fears, much like water, can be overwhelming but also beautiful when viewed through a different lens. Photography has allowed me to reframe my relationship with water, turning it from something I feared into something I deeply respect and admire. It’s an ongoing journey, and I feel that each step I take—both as an artist and as a person—helps me grow stronger.
Thomas Berlin: Let's move on to the series with the children with Down Syndrome. These children seem happy and self-confident in your pictures, more like protagonists and less like disabled people. Can you tell me what your intention was and how you went about it?
Marta Syrko: This series was a deeply meaningful project for me. It was the first time in Ukraine that children with Down syndrome were portrayed as active participants in an art project, and I felt a great sense of responsibility in creating these images. My intention was to move beyond the stereotypes often associated with disabilities and to show these children as individuals—full of life, happiness, and confidence.
Thomas Berlin: Another series, your sculpture series, shows war veterans of the Ukrainian army and other victims of the Russian aggression on the Ukraine with amputated limbs or other serious injuries. At the same time, these people appear strong and dignified in your pictures. Is this observation correct? What is the idea behind it? And how did the heroes react when you wanted to photograph them naked?
Marta Syrko: Yes, your observation is absolutely correct. My Sculptures series is about portraying these individuals—war veterans and victims of Russian aggression—not as defined by their injuries, but as symbols of strength, resilience, and humanity. These are people who have faced unimaginable challenges and yet continue to stand tall, dignified, and powerful. I wanted to honor their courage and show them as the masterpieces of life that they truly are, much like ancient sculptures that bear the marks of time yet remain timeless and beautiful.
Thomas Berlin: The Ukrainian heros in a tender embrace with their partner are among the most moving images in this series, because they show a bright human side in addition to the dark cruelty of war. I imagine that you needed a special relationship of trust with these people to take these pictures, right?
Marta Syrko: Absolutely. Trust was the foundation of these images, especially the ones capturing the tender embrace between heroes and their partners. These moments are deeply intimate and profoundly human, showing not only the scars of war but also the strength of love and connection that endures despite the darkness.
Building this trust took time and sensitivity. Before taking a single photograph, I made sure to listen to their stories, understand their experiences, and respect their boundaries. It was essential that they felt seen and valued—not just as subjects, but as individuals with complex emotions and relationships. I wanted them to know that my intention was to portray them with dignity and to highlight the love and resilience that continues to define their lives.
Including their partners in these photographs added another layer of meaning. These images show the tenderness and unwavering support that exist even in the face of profound challenges. For many of them, sharing these moments in front of the camera was a way to reclaim their narratives, focusing not on loss but on the strength and beauty of their bonds.
The process was collaborative, and I worked closely with each couple to ensure they felt comfortable and in control. These photographs are not just about documenting their lives but about celebrating their humanity—their capacity to love and be loved, even in the most difficult circumstances. These are the stories I hope will resonate with viewers, reminding us all of the light that can exist even in the darkest times.
Thomas Berlin: Can you say something about another group of works, your self-portraits?
Marta Syrko: For me, self-portraits are also a way to confront and understand myself better. They serve as moments of introspection and self-acceptance, where I can explore my own perception of reality, beauty, and imperfection. Often, I incorporate elements like water or reflections, which distort and transform the image, mirroring how our internal experiences can reshape the way we see ourselves and the world around us.
In many ways, my self-portraits are an ongoing dialogue with myself. They reflect my growth as an artist and as a person, capturing moments of strength, fragility, and everything in between. It’s a process that’s both challenging and liberating, and it helps me connect more deeply with the themes I explore in my work as a whole. ʼ
Thomas Berlin: Martha, after so much insight into your work, I would like to talk about you as a person and your development. How did you actually get into photography?
Marta Syrko: I started experimenting with a camera during my teenage years when I was 15, mostly photographing friends and everyday life. Those early experiences helped me realize the power of an image to tell a story, evoke emotions, and spark conversations. Over time, I became more intentional with my work, exploring themes that resonated with me on a deeper level.
Self-portrait of Marta Syrko
Thomas Berlin: You were around 18 before you went to a museum for the first time. Then you went to art school. How did that happen?
Marta Syrko: It’s almost true—I didn’t grow up surrounded by art or frequenting museums. My first visit to a museum at 16 was a transformative experience. It was like discovering an entirely new world, one where stories, emotions, and histories were told through colors, shapes, and light. That visit sparked something in me, a deep curiosity and a desire to create.
The decision to go to art school came shortly after that. Once I realized how much art could move and inspire me, I wanted to learn how to express myself in the same way. I didn’t have a formal background in art at the time, but I was determined. I started experimenting with photography, and as I developed my skills, it became clear to me that this was the medium I wanted to pursue.
Thomas Berlin: After art school you were a commercial photographer. How did you get into the artistic side of things?
Marta Syrko: The transition to the artistic side of photography happened gradually. I started carving out time between commercial projects to work on personal shoots, experimenting with themes and techniques that resonated with me on a deeper level.
Thomas Berlin: Is there anything you really want to achieve as an artist within the next few years?
Marta Syrko: As an artist, I’m always striving to grow, explore new ideas, and push my creative boundaries. Within the next few years, I have several goals I’m deeply passionate about.
One of my biggest dreams is to expand the reach of my work by exhibiting in cities like New York and Paris. These places hold such a rich history of art and creativity, and I feel they would be the perfect platforms to share my vision with a wider, more diverse audience. I want my art to resonate internationally, bridging cultural gaps and connecting with people on a universal level.
I also want to continue developing projects that matter deeply to me, like my Sculptures series and other works that explore themes of resilience, identity, and human connection. I aim to use my art to contribute to important conversations, whether it’s about inclusivity, the scars of war, or the beauty of imperfection.
Self-portrait of Marta Syrko
Additionally, I’d love to mentor and inspire the next generation of photographers, sharing what I’ve learned and encouraging them to embrace their unique voices. Photography has given me so much, and I hope to give back by helping others find their path in this ever-evolving art form.
Ultimately, my goal is to keep growing as an artist and a person, to stay true to my vision, and to continue creating work that resonates deeply with people, no matter where they are in the world.
Thomas Berlin: What do you do when you're not taking pictures?
Marta Syrko: I try to stay connected to the things that inspire me and help me recharge creatively. I spend a lot of time exploring art in other forms—whether it’s visiting galleries, reading books, or watching films. These experiences often spark new ideas and provide a fresh perspective on my own work.
I also love spending time in nature. Being outdoors, especially near water, has a calming and restorative effect on me. It’s a way to reconnect with myself and reflect on my thoughts without distraction.
On a more personal level, I cherish time with my family and friends. These relationships ground me and remind me of what truly matters in life. Whether it’s sharing a meal, having meaningful conversations, or just enjoying each other’s company, these moments are invaluable.
Finally, I’m always learning—whether it’s diving into new photography techniques, exploring historical art movements, or reflecting on the stories I want to tell. My curiosity extends far beyond photography, and I try to stay open to whatever life has to teach me.
Thomas Berlin: Marta, thank you so much for this wonderful and inspiring Interview, And I wish you all the best for you and your big plans. Is there anything you would like to add?
Marta Syrko: Thank you so much for this thoughtful conversation and for giving me the opportunity to share my work and vision. It’s been a pleasure to reflect on these themes and discuss the deeper meaning behind what I create.
If there’s one thing I’d like to add, it’s a message of hope and resilience. Art, in its many forms, has the power to heal, to connect, and to inspire—even in the most challenging times. For me, photography is not just about creating beautiful images but about fostering understanding, compassion, and dialogue.
To anyone who encounters my work, I hope it encourages you to see the beauty in imperfection, the strength in vulnerability, and the humanity in us all. And I invite you to continue supporting and celebrating art—it’s a vital part of what makes us human.
Thank you again for this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing where this journey takes us all.
Marta has a website and is on Instagram. Comments are welcome here.
