Spasi Sohrani On Her Exhibition Family At Getxophoto

A reinterpretation of childhood memories from an adult's perspective, Family by Spasi Sohrani was awarded a Solo Exhibition in Getxo, Spain through the PhMuseum 2024 Photography Grant.

Since 2020, a participant in the PhMuseum Photography Grant has been selected annually for a solo show at Getxophoto in the Basque Country, Spain. Previous exhibitors include Silvia Rosi, Juliana Gómez Quijano, Alejandro "Luperca" Morales, and Mattia Balsamini. Last year, Family by Ukranian artist Spasi Sohrani reached the Algorta Market, highlighting markets as places of exchange, transaction, and even (sometimes playful) bartering. As this edition's deadline approaches, we touched base with Spasi Sohrani to look into the process behind her exhibition in Getxo.

Can you tell us a bit about the process that led to your exhibition at Getxophoto? How did you and curator Maria Ptqk work towards the installation’s final shape?

My main idea was to apply for the open call—I didn’t even look at what the prize fund would be. I simply wanted to submit these works, to show them to the world. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my work was selected for the festival, and even more so that it fit the theme of the festival. However, there wasn’t much direct communication about the installation itself; the only information provided was that the photos would be displayed in a specific location and format. I was very surprised.

Every time a body of work is exhibited, different aspects of it can emerge. Did exhibiting in this context bring any new perspectives to your project?

At first, I didn’t fully understand the format when I was shown the location, as it was my first experience with such exhibitions. It was an old building, and my photos were displayed on top of it, which wasn’t exactly visually appealing. But later, when I arrived in the city, saw my large printed photos, understood the festival format, and watched how people stopped, interacted with the works in the street, and reacted—it was amazing. Thanks to the festival, I met so many new people and wonderful photographers. This is incredibly valuable to me because most communication usually happens on social media, but here, I was surrounded by so many talented and interesting people all in one place. The selected works were truly stylish and beautiful, and it was great to meet talented individuals.

What is the role of exhibiting in your artistic practice? Is the way you conceive your work somehow influenced by the process of materializing it in a show?

Yes, exhibitions play a very important role for me, as I believe they do for many artists. It’s like a form of validation—acceptance of me and my work as an artist. Unfortunately, the world works in such a way that the more exhibitions you have, the more seriously you’re taken, the more attention you receive, and consequently, the more people see you as a good artist. For me, participating in exhibitions is an opportunity to show my art to a wider audience. I’m always very happy to see a positive response to my work—it’s inspiring and gives me confidence.

When it comes to group exhibitions, unfortunately, artists are rarely involved in how their work is presented or materialized within the space. For example, no one really asks about my vision. However, with solo exhibitions, there’s more room for creativity, and I can implement my ideas exactly as I imagine them.

What tips would you give to those interested in applying for the PhMuseum Photography Grant?

My main advice is to keep trying and not give up. Many people lack confidence or think that other photographers are better, so there’s no point in competing. But you should always love what you do, do it sincerely, and show it to the world.

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The PhMuseum Photography Grant has established itself as a leading prize in the industry over the last 12 years, renowned for recognising the importance of contemporary photography and for supporting emergent artists through cash prizes, exhibitions at international festivals, educational activities and exposure on online media. This year, Getxophoto will offer a new solo show to one work selected from our open call. You are welcome to present your work before 13 February 2025 at 11.59 pm (GMT). Learn more and apply at phmuseum.com/g25

Getxophoto is a festival focused on the image that has been held in Getxo -Basque Country- since 2007, created and managed by Begihandi. An initiative in continuous search of being more participative, committed and sustainable.