echoes through photography

Discovering Depths: Alexander Bobkin's Artistry

Alexander Bobkin (1952) is a Siberian born painter and photographer based in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. His work delves into the spiritual aspects hidden beneath our daily reality, influenced by his Siberian heritage.

Aside from painting, Bobkin also embraces photography. He ventured into social-documentary photography during the 1980s, capturing the raw truths often overlooked. In the Netherlands, his lens shifted to street photography, focusing on human interactions within their surroundings. Bobkin sees photography as a means to connect with reality, unlike painting, which offers a more distant perspective.

His portfolio encompasses a wide spectrum, including his take on the “Mariken van Nimwegen” story. Museums have recognized his contributions, adding his pieces to their collections. Rooted in his Siberian origins, Alexander Bobkin’s artistry bridges the ordinary and the concealed, inviting you to contemplate the enigmatic through his lens and brush.

Bobkin's perspective on photography

“Allow me to share my personal perspective on photography, one that sets it apart from painting:

Photography, for me, stands distinct from painting. It thrives on the convergence of place, event, and time—a culmination that leads to the decisive moment. Through the journey of life, we uncover not only the external world but also our own selves. Photography serves as the perfect conduit for this dual discovery.

Henry Cartier-Bresson, a photographer I greatly admire, once spoke of the “creative fraction of a second” inherent in photography. This instant demands an artist’s eye to discern compositions and expressions that life itself presents, requiring an intuitive click of the camera shutter. This concept resonates deeply with me.

In my approach, I firmly believe in composing photographs right within the viewfinder, not during post-processing in a darkroom or on a computer. When I print my photographs, I maintain their authenticity—each image occupies the entire frame, unaltered by cropping or manipulation.

Photography, with its unique qualities, holds immense value in my artistic journey. Contrasting with painting, it operates within a realm of its own.

Remember, this perspective is uniquely mine—a viewpoint that guides my creative process and holds significance in my artistic world.”

– Alexander Bobkin