In the realm of contemporary art, few photographers explore the human soul with as much depth and empathy as Ashley Suszczynski. With each frame, she transcends the role of a mere observer. She is a visual storyteller, an archaeologist of ancient rituals, and an intrepid explorer of the planet’s hidden corners. Through her lens, she invites us into the captivating worlds of mysticism, power, and ancestral memory, where the boundaries between myth and reality blur in mesmerizing ways.
Suszczynski’s photographic journey is deeply rooted in the belief that true sublimity can never be visualized literally. It is something that lingers just beyond the grasp of the eye, existing within the sacred space of the soul. And yet, her work does what seems impossible—it captures the unseen forces of nature and tradition, embedding them in every shot. In her photographs, we encounter not just images but an atmosphere, a presence that speaks directly to the depths of our collective unconscious.
The Art of Ritual: A Glimpse into the Otherworldly
For Suszczynski, the allure of photography lies in its ability to capture fleeting moments of sublime power. Raised on a diet of fairy tales and fantastical stories, she found in the rural villages of Bulgaria—the town of Kolarovo in particular—living embodiments of the ancient myths that so captivated her childhood imagination. Here, she encountered the kukeri—masked beings whose striking costumes are designed to ward off evil spirits and herald the coming of a new year.
The kukeri have danced in these ceremonial costumes for centuries, drawing on traditions dating back to Thracian times. These towering figures, adorned with horns, goat hides, and embroidered fabrics, are symbols of spiritual protection. Their dances, which echo through the mountains of Bulgaria, are not mere performances; they are acts of profound cultural significance, rituals intended to maintain the balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
True sublimity comes from outside or from the depths of the soul; it cannot be visualized literally. Thus, the figures in this series engage with mysterious, overwhelming entities that embody sublime power, fear, and anxiety.
This passion has its roots in her childhood, steeped in a world of fairy tales and fantastical adventures. As an adult, she discovers that these childhood imaginings have manifested in vibrant masquerades and rituals passed down through generations. Each photograph is a frozen moment from a silent film, narrating tales of life, death, fertility, and the eternal cycles of nature.
Costumes take center stage in her work, serving as intricate, multilayered symbols infused with ancestral memory. Horns, hides, and masks are not mere accessories; they are powerful elements of ritual attire, designed to protect against malevolent forces and forge connections with the otherworldly. However, capturing these worlds on film is just one part of her mission. Suszczynski strives to convey not only a visual image but also the very atmosphere and energy of these events. Her photographs are imbued with profound respect for the traditions and people who preserve them, free from the condescension or superficial curiosity often found in contemporary explorations of ethnic themes.
As an active participant in these unfolding stories, Suszczynski engages with the guardians of tradition, learning from them and becoming a part of their communities. This trust enables her to create deeply emotional and resonant works.
Language barriers often present significant challenges for Suszczynski as she travels the globe to meet those who uphold local customs. In small rural communities, residents frequently speak only their native tongue. “There’s little information about these groups online,” she explains. “The search is like a treasure hunt.” Sometimes she would arrive in a village, visit the town hall with her phone, and, using Google Translate, inquire with the mayor about local masks. Villagers were often incredibly welcoming, quickly organizing community gatherings.
I loved fantasy illustrations. Each story transported me to a new world, allowing me to escape my own… Each page was filled with magic and mystery—an exciting adventure into lands of mythical monsters, talking animals, and the strange and wondrous.
Among the fascinating characters Suszczynski encounters are the Bulgarian kukeri, variations of whom may be known as “starci” or “chaushi.” Their elaborate headgear and costumes—crafted from wool, animal horns, embroidered fabric, and adorned with bells—invoke a mystical power, heralding new seasons and warding off evil spirits.
It seemed that in every tiny village, unique ancient rituals were still thriving in our modern society,” she observes.
Suszczynski emphasizes that her role, much like that of the individuals she photographs, is that of a storyteller. Through her visual art, she aims to share the wisdom and understanding of these ancient customs, fostering the preservation of rich cultural legacies.
Ashley Suszczynski: creating memories
Ashley Suszczynski’s photography is not bound by gallery walls. It is a living, breathing body of work that transcends the physical realm of art and enters into the realm of shared cultural experience. As her photographs continue to resonate in art magazines and exclusive exhibitions around the world, they invite us to reflect on our own connection to the ancient forces that shape our world. Through her images, we are reminded that art is not just about creating—it is about preserving, sharing, and understanding the forces that have shaped our collective history.
In Suszczynski’s work, the ancient and the contemporary come together in a dance of sublime power, evoking awe and wonder. It is an invitation to step beyond the boundaries of the familiar and embrace the unknown, to recognize the sacred power that exists in every moment, and to honor the stories that have brought us to where we are today.