Art Basel’s ‘Meet the artists’ series presents contemporary creatives shaping today’s cultural landscape

Miami-based photographer Anastasia Samoylova has a sharp eye for contrasts. Born in Southern Russia, she looks at favorite subject – the state of Florida – with the eyes of a foreigner, portraying it as both paradise and paradox.

In the latest episode of ‘Meet the artists,’ Samoylova delves into her approach to photography, describing her images as ‘meant for slower visual consumption.’ As she walks through the streets of Miami Beach, she explains how her work offers a visual narrative of Florida and Miami, capturing both their beauty and their fragility in the face of climate change and complex politics.

Samoylova’s journey led her from constructing physical models in environmental design during her school years to exploring the constructs of place through her lens. ‘Any image you see of mine is a bit meta; you can’t take it at face value,’ she says.

Anastasia Samoylova’s exhibition, ‘Floridas: Anastasia Samoylova and Walker Evans’, is currently on view at The Met in New York City through May 11, 2025. Her solo show, ‘ADAPTATION’ is on view at Saatchi Gallery in London through January 20, 2025.

Anastasia Samoylova is represented by Wentrup (Berlin).