Anna Shteynshleyger

(b.1977 Russia; resides Des Plaines, IL)

Perm (Grasses), 2001

Kolyma (Floor), 2002

Perm (Bush), 2001

… be it a metaphysical or cultural concern, whether it’s a critique or a celebration, art remains a practice rooted deeply in the material world. We make likenesses of what we see and transform our world in a very tangible way. Any situation can reveal a reality not apparent at first examination. - Anna Shteynshleyger

Shteynshleyger’s photographs of Siberia examine the sites of Russian labor camps under the former Communist regime. The juxtaposition of the beautiful landscapes with their history of containment and oppression draws an interesting paradox about the character of modern Russia. Making three different trips to different regions of Russia, Shteynshleyger manipulated already existing scenes rather than creating new situations.

Born in Russia and educated at the Maryland Institute College of Art (BFA, 1999) and Yale University (MFA, 2001), Shteynshleyger’s most recent exhibitions include Solo Exhibition (12×12 project) at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago and Art Basel Miami Beach at the Jacob Karpio gallery in Miami, FL. She is currently an adjunct professor of photography at Columbia College Chicago and McHenry County College.