Art & Culture

Sharon Kostini’s ‘Her Lens, Her Story: Women in Focus’ Exhibition

16 July

“Her Lens, Her Story: Women in Focus” is Sharon Kostini’s celebration of women’s experiences, perspectives, and contributions through the art of photography. The exhibition, happening on July 19th at The Creative Plug Cymru, brings together a diverse collection of images that showcase the strength, resilience, and individuality of women from various backgrounds, with an emphasis on amplifying voices that are often underrepresented.

Sharon Kostini, a talented Welsh photographer with a background in Fashion Promotion, Fashion Design, and an MA in Arts and Wellbeing, is immensely passionate about bringing women’s stories to the forefront. “The inspiration comes from the need to highlight women’s stories, especially those of black women like myself,” she explains. “This exhibition aims to give women a platform to be celebrated, express their unique narratives, and showcase diversity.“

Her approach to photography is deeply personal and thorough. “I spend time with my subjects to really understand their stories,” Kostini shares. “This helps me capture authentic moments that reflect their true essence.” From meticulous research to creative styling, including draping fabrics to create elegant shapes, she ensures each photograph tells a compelling story.

Fashion also plays a significant role in Kostini’s artistry. “Integrating fashion into my art allows me to enhance the visual narrative,” she notes. “Fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression and identity. By incorporating it into my photography, I aim to highlight its cultural and personal significance.”

But “Her Lens, Her Story” isn’t just about admiring photographs. Kostini has designed the exhibition to be an interactive experience for visitors. “We’ve planned special events where guests can engage with the subjects through live discussions, poetry readings, games, and even a DJ,“

Sharon has worked at her craft for years, and as expected, it has come with it’s own highs and lows, when asked about a transformative moment in her career, Kostini shares, “Photographing a diverse group of women for Sey Cosmetics was incredibly inspiring. Witnessing their confidence and creativity grow during the shoot was powerful. It reaffirmed the importance of storytelling through photography.”

Through this exhibition, Kostini hopes to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity. “I want viewers to appreciate and reflect on the diverse experiences of women,” she says. “Art and fashion have the power to challenge perceptions, spark conversations, and promote inclusivity.”

Beyond her photography, Kostini is dedicated to supporting the Welsh creative community. “Supporting local businesses is vital for our creative ecosystem. Collaboration and mutual support strengthen our voices and contribute to our region’s cultural and economic growth.”

Looking ahead, Kostini has ambitious plans for both her personal brand and her business, The Creative Plug. “I aim to expand The Creative Plug through workshops, collaborations, and community initiatives,” she shares. “And for Sharon Kostini, I want to continue merging art with social impact, focusing on projects that celebrate diversity and individuality.”

For aspiring photographers and creatives, Kostini offers this advice: “Stay true to your vision. Take risks, experiment, and keep learning. Building relationships in the industry is key. And most importantly, use your art to make a positive impact and tell meaningful stories.”

“Her Lens, Her Story: Women in Focus” is more than an exhibition; it’s a celebration of diversity, strength, and visual storytelling. Kostini emphasises the collaborative nature of the project: “Many of the subjects have contributed their own perspectives and stories, making this a truly collective effort. I also collaborated with different photographers, body painters, models, and everyday women.” Therefore, this is a collective effort, recognising the contributions of everyone involved in the project. “I hope this exhibition inspires more women to share their stories and to feel empowered through the medium of photography.“