The Self Study by Ivana Dostalova

The relationship between the self and other is one of the most exquisite theoretical issues in the social sciences (Ziller 1990). The essential question 'Who am I?' hides, in my opinion, the equation of infinity of unknowns interconnected with the combination of random and non-random equations around (in discourse with Bronfenbrenner´s socioecological model, Bronfenbrenner 1986, 1992, 2009) and before-behind (in discourse with Erikson´s stages of psychosocial development, Erikson 1963).

Last nine years I have been searching for these equations via photography and in discourse with psychosocial development of the individual, quantum physics, neurobiological, and sociological aspects, I do continuous visual research and study of the self. I am sure that we all should include our own the self into this discourse because we all together create the whole system. Who am I? What all influnces my the self? How is our subjective perception of our the self influenced by trauma? What all influences my the self´s perception of the reality and the world 'I' perceive that 'I' am living in and vice versa my the self formation via the around and before when we take into account that 'I' is the creator of the illusion, the dreamer who has to live in the real world and the self you have learned to recognize in the mirror is constantly changing (un)reality. With The Self Study project I try to open a discourse and search for possible answers on these questions. This research also became a part of an unpublished essay for my study of Therapeutic Photography at Robert Gordon University in Scotland.

These photographs represent a selection of self-portraits and portraits from the project which reflect and open a visual discourse about the individual's self-perception of the self by the self and in relation to others, the world around, and the physical reality, questions about how the subjective perception of the present moment is influenced by prenatal and early development of the individual and unconscious forgotten memories, philosophical questions about human beings´ existence, connections, and movement of energy.



''Our the self — our most intimate partner, our most initimate friend, our most intimate critic, guardian of our inner child and of the memories of fetus in the womb, each second of our lives we are in a deep discourse with him. What is the self? An immortal soul that transcends the physical being or complex system operating on molecular, neural, psychological, and social level? With this image I try to express the intimacy and fragility of individual´s existence.''



Ivana Dostálová
Czech photographer and scientist based in Prague, working, exhibiting, and with the works represented in the collections worldwide (e.g. Chicago, Paris, Berlin, New York, Atlanta, Michigan, Italy, Austria). A graduate of the PGCert Therapeutic Photography at Robert Gordon University in Scotland, previously obtained PhD in Neurobiology and Physiology from Charles University. She began working as a photographer in 2013, however she has been taking photos from childhood, she firstly openly talked about her life story and photographic journey for 2nd Therapeutic Photography Symposium in 2024. Ivana’s work includes both, mostly black and white works in variety of documentary series and projects, women’s portraits, personal diaries and other projects, as well as reflecting on social and psychosocial issues and today’s world through various artistic languages with the signs of symbolism and experimentation across multiple mediums. Ivana´s works often focuse on the areas of women´s empowerment and choices and dealing with trauma, she connects the field of photography with science to explore and search for the meaning of human existence and searching for identity. From the documentary series, among the best known is the series in between documentary and diary „My Prague“ (2015-2021), in which she captures the atmosphere of Prague and important events, or a series of photographs in which she focused on documenting the backstage of the Oncogynecology Center of the General University Hospital in Prague (2017) via the inner journey of the patient, which later became the book „The Stories Behind Hospital Walls“ (2018). In addition to these topics, since 2014 she has been photographing the backstage of children’s dance and ballet in the time-lapse series „First Steps“ and „Ballet Life“. Other documentaries include personal stories of burlesque performers (Behind the Burlesque, since 2021), behind the scenes of Czech theatres and more. Among the ongoing personal diaries, the series „Maternal Exile“ (2015-2020), „Diary from Quarantine“ (2020), „Life Traveler“ (from 2015) and „American Leaks“ as a maternal road movie towards love (2022) can be mentioned. Three main areas of the photographic study and research are: The self study, The other(s) study, and The world of a (day)dreamer. This part of Ivana´s work reflects the self and the interaction with the society and the other(s) and the critical searching for the self, depth, and genuineness in the times of instant Instagram happiness. As a part of the self study she uses the variety of self-portraits. Two-time nominee and winner of the second place in the Czech Press Photo competition (2018, 2019), in 2023 shortlisted in the Sony World Photography Awards competition. Recipient of Honorable Mention in International Photography Awards (IPA) 2023 Deeper Perspective Award for the photographic processing and contribution to the community of the project Swimming Women. In 2023, Ivana gave a TEDx Talk on the subject of photography and science. Founder of Voitopi Photography (2013), which had been focused on documentary, artistic and commercial photography. Voitopi has been from 2024 dedicated as one unique project to women.
ivana.dostal.eu.com
@idostalova27
www.voitopi.com



''Identity, who I am, what is my true self, what all influences it … embryonic position expresses vulnerability, humanity, but also the essential importance of neurobiological development during prenatal period on individual´s mental perception, ability to interact, react, and functioning in a relationship to the own the self, the other, and others.'' ''Formation of the self in its deepest, authentic true version is influenced by many 'white balls' — others, around, in the present, from the past. These „white balls“ come from different levels of Bronfenbrenner´s socioecological model, including family, peers, environment, society, media, culture, politics, changes in time … This photograph opens a visual discourse about which 'white balls' influence the individual's the self.''
''Where is our life path going and heading in this moment and the moment after? How huge role do our thoughts and mind setting play in the theatre of a common human existence? How do our thoughts, minds, and hearts influence the paths of our subsequent existence? What trajectory and directions can we influence and what can we not? Human being … standing with humility and courage towards all what will come, accepting her role of active creator of her life, but relative, nothing seems absolute in the means of the universe (un)rules and the re(a)lativity of time.''