I Am a Camera: LGBTQ Communities Seen From Within is now on exhibit through August 29 at FotoFest’s exhibition space at Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards Street, Houston, Texas 77007. The nine artists in this exhibition work directly with particular communities, which at times include themselves, in the creation of compelling and diverse views of contemporary LGBTQ life.

Irina Popova, Inga and Jenya are kissing, while Jenya puts a couple of 1000 rouble-notes in Inga's pants, From the series "Apt. 779, 2009-2011", Courtesy of the artist

Award-winning photographer Irina Popova was born in Russia, a country whose archaic and institutional homophobia was brought to worldwide attention in recent years in part due to celebrity boycotts and the political activism of the feminist-punk band Pussy Riot. The photographs in Popova’s series "Apt 779" chronicle the daily life and drama of a group of young lesbian women, including the artist, living communally in the titular apartment on the outskirts of Moscow. The artist documents the small parties and the quiet moments, the petty quarrels and the tender make-ups. Theirs is an insular, personal universe, a refuge from the goings-on of the world outside. It is a document of a protected, private existence.

Irina Popova, Sunday breakfast in the communal kitchen, From the series "Apt. 779, 2009-2011", Courtesy of the artist

Irina Popova, Inga and Jenya enjoy their Sunday sleep-in, From the series "Apt. 779, 2009-2011", Courtesy of the artist

Irina Popova, A romantic evening between Inga and Jenya in the communal entrance, From the series "Apt. 779, 2009-2011", Courtesy of the artist

Irina Popova, Inga and Jenya in bed, From the series A"pt. 779, 2009-2011", Courtesy of the artist

Irina Popova, Ana & Nadya, guests of Apt. 779, having an intimate moment, From the series "Apt. 779, 2009-2011", Courtesy of the artist

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