Ira Lupu’s work builds bridges between dreamscapes and reality in a manner that is at once honest and ethereal. In her practice, she focuses on the notions of connection, belonging, virtuality, stigma and femininity. In community-based practice, she consistently seeks new ethical approaches to deepen collaboration with her protagonists.

The artist’s current interest is in how the limitations of visual vocabulary, and those of photography as a medium in particular, can be challenged. This interest has prompted her to direct her attention to the less immediate or visceral manifestations of reality. In the war and conflict-related segment of her work, her doing so aims towards bonding, coping and healing – collectively as well as personally. The overarching impression is that Lupu insider’s perspective is not intrusive, but pensive and contemplative, an extension of the “mind’s eye” rather than direct documentation of atrocities.