The photography of Anna Riabova showcased at Haute Photographie is deeply inspired by fine art, echoing the styles of renowned artists such as Vermeer, Hammershøi, Whistler, Magritte, Adrian Kurt, and Andrew Wyeth. Rooted in symbolism, Dutch still-life painting, and surrealism, these images embrace minimal action—where at first glance, nothing seems to happen. Yet, each composition is rich with meaning, as objects subtly reveal traces of the past, present, and future to those who take a closer look. Anna lives and works in Riga, Latvia.

Next to UNSEEN there is also Haute Photographie, taking place from September 18-22, 2024, at Studio 3000 in Amsterdam Noord. They chose for a five-day event, featuring an impressive lineup of about 50 (inter)national photographers, is entirely focused on an engaging group exhibition. They are showcasing photography from the past (vintage), the present (contemporary), and the future (emerging talents). This year, Haute Photographie focusses on the ‘independent photographer,’ the photographer without a gallery.

Anna Riabova was born in Minsk, lived in St. Petersburg for 20 years, now lives in Riga, and in five years she has become a recognizable and noticeable person among us. Gallery D84 at 84 Dzirnavu Street opened recently, and the first photographer invited to exhibit her work there was Anna Riabova.

The source of inspiration for Anna Riabova’s photos has always been fine art. Therefore, if you think her photos remind you of something you have already seen somewhere, you are right - they can evoke associations with her favorite artists and art styles, such as symbolism, Dutch still-life paintings, and surrealism. She particularly likes images where there is very little action. It seems that nothing happens to them. But the world of objects is filled with information, and looking at them, you can say even more about what happened, is happening or will happen in this space.

Anna Riabova came to Riga from St. Petersburg. She is a philologist by training, a specialist in Romance philology. Studied in Minsk. By the way, her parents are architects, and her stepfather is a famous artist of Belarus, whose works can be seen on the streets of Minsk.