Natasha Rudenko

Natasha Rudenko is a fine art photographer and multi-media visual artist whose work explores personal experiences and transformations related to identity, personhood, and the human condition. Holding an MFA in Photography from the New York Film Academy, Natasha uses their photography to engage in deep self-reflection, investigating the realms of feelings and identity constructs. Often employing their own body as a tool for self-expression, they often use self-portraits as performative acts to converse about their identity as a feminist, an immigrant, and a white female-presenting non-binary artist in contemporary society. By positioning themselves as both the subject and object of the creative process, Natasha embodies the duality of being both the creator and the creation.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Natasha has shifted their focus to documenting and narrating the personal and collective stories unfolding in the war-torn landscape, capturing the emotional and physical impacts of conflict. Natasha's upcoming solo exhibition, The Doors of The House Rust Hopelessly (2025), will delve into the emotional aftermath of war.

Their 2022 exhibition, Be/longing, explored themes of identity, immigration, and displacement before the invasion of Ukraine, marking a distinct exploration of personal and societal transformations. Their works have been showcased both in galleries across the U.S., as well as internationally.

In addition to their artistic practice, Natasha is a dedicated educator. They have taught photography at various institutions, including the New York Film Academy and UCLA Extension, and in Saudi Arabia through a collaboration with the Misc Art Institute. Natasha’s teaching is informed by their multicultural experiences and their commitment to building culture-sensitive, inclusive curricula that integrate decolonial and anti-racist perspectives. Their courses emphasize both technical skills and creative expression, nurturing the growth of students not only as photographers but as critical thinkers as well.

Outside of their artistic and educational work, Natasha is deeply involved in humanitarian efforts through their nonprofit initiatives, particularly in support of Ukraine. They are a vice president of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Post Angeles, dedicated to delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine. As part of the community organizing efforts, they have curated exhibitions like 365 Days of War at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Los Angeles and continue to use art as a platform to raise awareness of global struggles and inspire action.

Natasha's work has appeared in annual feminist and queer art publications, including Issues II and Femme Fotale Volume III Analog and Femme Fotale Volume IV Leafless. Their exhibitions have spanned New York, Los Angeles, Athens, Tempe, and Budapest. Through their artistic practice, educational contributions, and nonprofit work, Natasha continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity, conflict, and resilience.