Tamara Susa | Photographer & Filmmaker
I am a documentary photographer whose work explores the issues related to the contemporary ecological crisis, and the relationship between humans and the environment.
I grew up in former Yugoslavia during a time of great political turmoil. A childhood in between wars, in a country that kept changing its name and the shape of its borders, inspired a deeper connection to the land itself regardless of the politics of it. The urge to protect the environment from human destruction has been embedded in my consciousness ever since I witnessed bombs falling on my hometown as a ten-year-old girl.
Now, decades later, as an adventurer living in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, I’m bearing witness to a different kind of destruction that is at the center of the work I create. The anthropogenic climate change is one of the most pressing issues of my generation. When my niece was born in December of 2019, it inspired an activist in me, wanting her to grow up in a world where we still have winters.
Influenced by the visual aesthetic of the pioneers of American landscape photography, I strive to continue their legacy as stewards of the wilderness. Through my work, I invite the viewer to engage with questions about the future of the environment, learn how to better interact with the landscape, and live within the limits of nature.
I focus my photography not on the destruction, but on landscapes vulnerable to environmental changes, showing a haunting record of what we are rapidly losing. I want to seduce the viewers with the beauty of our natural world, so that it evokes the urge to protect it, and inspires people to make change. It is the visual interpretation of “soliphilia”, the love of land and interconnectedness of all species on earth.
My work is grounded in research, as well as collaboration with organizations such as Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.
I have been selected to participate in The Arctic Circle art and science residency for the Spring of 2023.
EDUCATION
MA - University of The Arts London, London, UK
Photojournalism and Documentary Photography
BA - Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL
Communications & Media, Spanish Language
My native language is Serbian, and I am fluent in English, Spanish and Croatian.
I am a Level 2 Certified AASI Snowboard instructor, as well as Freestyle Specialist 1. I have taught snowboarding at Aspen/Snowmass and The Kingdom of Lesotho.
My goal is to snowboard on every continent. 6/7 checked off the list!
EXHIBITIONS
December 2022-February 2023 - “Disturbance” Aspen, Colorado
November 2021 - “Common Grounds” London, UK
September 2021 - “Climate Emergency Network: Material Heroes” London, UK
December 2020 – “Disturbance” Aspen, Colorado
May 2020 – “Kennen Sie Serbien?” Regensburg, Germany
September 2019 – “To Behold” Aspen, Colorado
June 2019 – “U Pokretu” Belgrade, Serbia
COMMERCIAL CLIENTS
Aspen/Snowmass, Snowmass Tourism, Colorado Tourism, Ski Portillo, ESPN, Aspen Chamber, Tu Chetumal, Strafe Outerwear, Shredly, Flaxta, Rossignol, United Airlines, Ice Axe Expeditions, Outside TV, React Presents, North Coast Music Festival, Summerset Music Festival, Spring Awakening Music Festival, The Buddy Program, Aspen Art Museum, Dom Perignon, Veuve Cliquot, Folsom Skis, Thrive Snowboards, Anon
awards
2024 NEPSA Film Awards - “2 Legs Is 2 Easy”, Winner
2023 Paris Photo Prize - Bronze in Fine Art/Landscape Category
2023 NEPSA Photo Awards - Most Scenic Photo, 1st place
2023 NEPSA Film Awards - “Drunk History”, 3rd place
2022 NEPSA Photo Awards - Best Action Shot, 1st place
2022 NEPSA Film Awards - “The Braid Hole”, 2nd place
2019 People’s Choice Art Show - Best in Show
2019 ROAM Awards - Finalist
2019 NEPSA Photo Awards - Most Scenic Photo, 1st place
2017 Roaring Fork Conservancy Photo Contest - Winner
RESIDENCIES & Grants
2023 The Arctic Circle Art and Science Residency
2023 FEMA Art for Climate Resiliency Grant Recipient
Publications
Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Freeskier Magazine, Outside Magazine, Powder Magazine, Ski Magazine, Business Insider, Ascent Magazine, The Grom Guide,
Travel + Leisure Magazine, Thrillist, Aspen Peak, Aspen Magazine, Mountain Living,
Texas Lifestyle Magazine, The Gazette, The Bend