How well do we really know each other? Each of us contains a myriad of selves that shift with mood, places and circumstances. And sometimes the version of us we hope to be seen never arrives as intended. And women? More often than not they are judged by their looks, and later – if ever – by actions. 

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“Distorted Not Disturbed” is a visual inquiry into the fractures between self-perception and external interpretation. These are portraits and self-portraits of fragmented readings. Not of disturbed souls - but of distorted truths, where the self you show, the self you feel, and the self others see, collide and splinter.

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These works are physically altered - refracted through the textured surface of a box of chocolates – you truly never know which version of a person you’re gonna see next, turning the ordinary into the uncanny. Inspired by Soviet posters and cubism, the series reveal that we’re rarely seen as we wish to be. 

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Third Place Winner at the Fine Art Photo Awards in April of 2026

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For inquiries and limited edition high quality prints - please email at ​info@nikabelianina.com​​