I have had the chance to chat with Monika Chabicovsky who is an extraordinary artist whose work blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction, drawing us into an intimate exploration of identity through the art of self-portraiture. Born in Austria and raised amidst a rich tapestry of global cultures—from Japan to Russia, Monika’s international upbringing shapes her unique perspective on the world. This diverse background, combined with her experience as a competitive gymnast and advanced academic training in the history of science and cancer biology, forms the foundation of a creative journey that is as intellectually rigorous as it is emotionally profound.

Her acclaimed series, The Two Sides of the Truth, delves into the dualities within herself, revealing the tensions between the disciplined rationality demanded by her role as a toxicologist and the boundless, creative spirit of a fine art photographer. Central to this series is her use of masks as a metaphor for the opposing facets of identity, challenging the very idea of a singular, static self. One photograph, Boxed In – My Daily Struggle, stood out to me. The stark black-and-white composition contrasts a laughing mask with her unguarded, contemplative gaze, encapsulating the tension between the persona we show the world and the truths we often keep hidden.

What sets Monika apart is her remarkable ability to transform deeply personal conflict into art. Her self-portraits are far more than images; they are layered visual narratives that invite viewers to confront their own masks and unearth their internal complexities. There is a poetic quality to her work, an unspoken dialogue that resonates with those of us who have ever felt torn between the yearning for authenticity and the weight of societal expectation. Her meticulous approach—planning every detail of her shoots, staging her concepts with precision, and skilfully capturing the interplay of light and shadow—is a testament to her devotion to the craft.

Monika’s art is as introspective as it is universal. It speaks to anyone who has wrestled with the friction of conflicting identities or struggled to reconcile duty with desire. Through her lens, she reminds us that every outward persona is but a fragment of a larger, multifaceted self. Her photographs are a quiet invitation to delve into our own inner worlds, urging us to look beyond the surface and embrace the intricate complexities of who we truly are.

For me, Monika’s work is a constant source of inspiration. Her images embody the belief that art is not just a tool for creation but also one for profound self-discovery and healing. In an age often consumed by curated perfection, her raw and vulnerable approach feels refreshingly authentic. Her photographs deepen my understanding of the human experience and reinforce my own journey in photography—a journey where every frame is an opportunity to distil truth, even in its most conflicted and imperfect forms.

Monika Chabicovsky’s artistry goes beyond aesthetics; it is a mirror held up to the complexities of life itself. Her ability to blend intellect, emotion, and visual storytelling reminds us that art has the power not only to capture but to transform—to reveal what lies beneath and challenge us to embrace our most authentic selves.

I hope you enjoy the interview as much as me.

What was the inspiration for this series?

This project began in 2020 during a time when I was really struggling to balance my creative pursuits with my professional life. The rational side of me kept insisting that I focus on my business, leaving little room for making art. This internal conflict became the driving force behind my ongoing series The Two Sides of The Truth, where I seek to explore and reconcile my opposing “parts.”

How do your self-portraits challenge typical/traditional notions of identity?

My self-portraits disrupt traditional notions of identity, acknowledging it as fluid, multifaceted, and often contradictory. Rather than portraying a single, unified oneness, I explore the tension that results from engaging with differing aspects of my identity—reason versus emotion, science versus creativity, persona and the authentic self.

I question the stability of identity and how much of it is shaped by societal expectations versus internal realities. This challenges the idea of identity as something fixed or singular and instead presents it as dynamic and layered.

Have you discovered aspects of yourself you hadn’t considered before starting this project?

Creating these self-portraits is fun and I discovered how much I enjoy the process of planning and playing—choosing the right dress, outfit, and concept for each shoot. For a long time, I didn’t allow myself to embrace a sense of play.

How do you use visual metaphors to convey abstract concepts like reason, emotion, or duality?

I use simple visual elements to represent complex concepts like reason, emotion, and duality. Masks, for example, serve as a central metaphor for the duality that lies between persona and authenticity, blurring the line between what is hidden and what is revealed.

I also play with functional contrasts—light and shadow, rigid shapes versus soft textures—to reflect the tension between order, reason, and emotion. Hopefully, my visual language invites the viewer to think about how they see — and live out  — their own inner conflicts and truths.

Are there any recurring symbols in your images? If so, what do they represent?

I use masks to represent different facets of the self and to explore the relationship between our different selves—the contrasts as well as interconnectedness. The masks also blur the line between fiction and “truth,” inviting the audience to engage with these universal themes on a deeply personal level.

Which came first: the images or the captions?

The first image, created in 2020, is titled “Me Telling Me What to Do” and reflects my daily struggle. The image presents the core of the ongoing tension between rational, scientific thinking—quick, focused, and efficient—and the fine art photographer who delves into the world of emotions, taking time to explore and embrace a quieter, more deliberate pace.

What do you hope viewers will take away when reflecting on their own masks and “complicated truths”?

Through this project, I explore the multiple realities and midpoints that shape my own identity, while encouraging the audience to peel back their own masks and confront their own personal truths, however complicated and uncomfortable they may be.

Have you received any surprising or impactful reactions from viewers about the series?

Some viewers have asked why I haven’t explored creating diptychs, triptychs, or even a full narrative storyline instead of focusing on single images. This feedback is inspiring, and it’s something I’ll be experimenting with as this project evolves. It also opens the door to exploring the use of triptychs, their meaning, and how they function within the history of art, so stay tuned!

What questions do you hope your audience will ask themselves after viewing your work?

I hope people take a moment to consider their own “two sides of the truth.” Who are you, truly? What lies beneath the masks you wear every day? The Two Sides of the Truth invites viewers to explore the layers of their own personas, accepting what can be complex, dynamic aspects of their own.

Thank you as always and please check her out at the places below:-

Website: www.chabicovsky.photography
Instagram: @monika.chabicovsky

Regards

Alex