Julia SH

  • Selected Works

    Dovetailed

    Charmmy, depicted in the work, is one of the last practicing Geisha in Tokyo. She exists at the intersection of a tradition that dates back to the Edo period and the present day, where her fiercely independent spirit makes her a one-of-a-kind national treasure.

    In these photographs, two ancient practices converge: the art of the Geisha and Shibari. Shibari's roots lie in Hojojutsu, a method used by samurai in feudal Japan to restrain prisoners. Over centuries, these techniques evolved into an erotic form of bondage, embraced by the nobility during the Edo period (1603-1868). Though rooted in restraint, Shibari becomes a powerful tool of empowerment for Charmmy, who describes it as "healing," as it allows her to transform the act of being bound into an expression of strength and autonomy.


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    Intermission

    In this photographic rendition of Vermeer’s iconic "Girl with a Pearl Earring," the subject is reimagined in a contemporary setting, as if poised for a modern photo shoot. The model, embodying the essence of the original painting, is captured mid-pose, partially dressed and waiting for the photographer’s cue to resume her stance. Unaware of the artist's gaze, she exists in a moment suspended between the past and the present

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    Series
  • Biography

    Biography

    Sweden ,

    Julia SH, an IPA-winning photographer, redefines the boundaries of traditional photography by drawing inspiration from sculpture and painting. She approaches her creations as if crafted in non-photographic media, transforming images into art pieces that evoke classical forms.
    Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, Julia spent her formative years immersed in a world of music and surrounded by family and artists, fostering her creative sensibilities. Driven by a desire to see the world through her own eyes and camera lens, she moved to London to attend Saint Martin's College of Art and Design. She then went on to obtain an MFA in Fine Art from the Slade School of Fine Art.
    Her journey to her current home in Los Angeles was marked by extensive travels, including stops in Japan, North Korea, Jordan, Afghanistan, and Iran, among others. Reflecting on her experiences, Julia says, "I am a traveler, a storyteller, and an eternal student. The camera is my passport to the world and the people in it."
    Julia's work has been featured in publications including Vogue, and has exhibited at numerous prestigious venues, including all Fotografiska locations worldwide.

    Awards:
    Lens Culture Critics’ Choice, 2022
    PSX3, Fine Art Series Silver, 2021
    Moscow International Foto Awards, Silver, 2021
    Lens Culture, Best of Lens Culture, Juror’s Pick 2020
    PSX3, Fine Art Series Silver, 2020
    IPA Fine Art Photographer of the Year 2019
    Julia Margaret Cameron Photographer of the Year 2019
    Getty Images Creative Bursary 2019
    One EyeLand Gold Award 2019

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