Maria Svarbova -- click images for detail

Maria Svarbova, born in 1988, is a Slovak photographer known for her striking visual language that blends minimalism with surreal atmosphere. Although she originally studied restoration and archaeology, she began working in photography in 2010 and has since developed a unique approach that transforms public and architectural spaces into quiet, dreamlike scenes. Her compositions are known for their careful use of color, symmetry, and stillness, with figures that often appear distant and emotionally restrained.

Svarbova draws inspiration from the architecture of the Socialist era, using it as a backdrop to explore ideas of isolation, memory, and order. Her best-known series, Swimming Pool, gained international attention and established her as a leading voice in contemporary photography. She has received numerous awards, exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, and has been featured in publications including Vogue, Forbes, and The Guardian. Svarbova was named a Hasselblad Master and included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30.