I’m Lara Zankoul, a Lebanese fine art photographer who creates conceptual, dream-like images that merge reality with the surreal. My work often explores human emotions and stories through symbolic and visually striking compositions. Over the years, I’ve exhibited my art internationally and developed a style that invites viewers to look beyond the surface. Photography has always been a way for me to navigate and express the complexities of life, and it has become my visual language for telling the stories that matter to me.

What experiences or emotions do you aim to capture through your work, and how do they reflect your personal journey?

Through my photography, I aim to capture the duality of human emotions, often reflecting feelings of introspection, vulnerability, and the unseen struggles we all face. My personal journey, from moments of self-discovery to the challenges of navigating life, heavily influences my work. I often use the metaphor of water, as seen in my series The Unseen, to symbolize the layers of consciousness—what we reveal to the world versus what we keep hidden. Photography has been a way for me to explore my own emotions and, in turn, invite viewers to reflect on theirs.

How do you navigate balancing the artistic process and work with the pressure of the external situation in the world?

Balancing the artistic process with external pressures is challenging, especially in times of political or social instability. Art has the power to transform chaos into something meaningful. In times of difficulty, I channel those emotions into my work, as I did during the recent challenges in Lebanon. For me, photography becomes a meditative process—where the external noise fuels introspection and creative output, rather than hinder it.

Can you tell me about a piece or project that felt particularly transformative for you as an artist?

One of the most transformative projects for me was The Zoo, part of my
The Unseen series. It became my best-selling print and a turning point in my career. The contrast between what’s visible above and hidden below the water resonated with people, reflecting the complexity of human emotions. What made this piece particularly special was the way people connected with it. The image’s surreal, almost absurd quality struck a deep chord and went viral, with each person interpreting it in their own way. Seeing how one piece could evoke such varied responses inspired me to continue exploring deeper themes through visual metaphors.

As a young female artist in a predominantly male-dominated field, how do you see your identity shaping your art and career?

As a young female artist, my identity is deeply intertwined with my work.
The art world, like many industries, can be male-dominated, but this has only fueled my desire to create work that challenges norms and expectations.
My experiences as a woman influence the themes I explore, particularly around vulnerability, self-exploration, and strength. I see my work as a space where I can reclaim my voice and challenge societal standards. Being a female artist allows me to bring a unique perspective to the table, and I hope it empowers other women to express their own stories fearlessly.

What message or feeling do you hope people take away from your art when they see it for the first time?

When people see my art for the first time, I hope they experience a moment of introspection, a pause to reflect on their own emotions and stories. I want my work to evoke a sense of wonder, as though stepping into a dream where reality and imagination intertwine. The layers of meaning in my images, particularly in my use of water and surreal settings, invite viewers to look deeper and see beyond the surface. Ultimately, I hope my art offers a sense of connection and resonates with the inner emotions that we often keep hidden.