3/1/15: These are the self-portraits of Russian photographer Katerina Belkina. By altering photographs of herself using a combination of in-camera effects, painting, tearing, drawing, and extensive digital manipulation, Belkina pays tribute to her favorite painters. Her works are lovely and intriguing and instantly recognizable as homages to the artists whose work she is emulating.

I was especially struck by her signature intense eye contact with the camera. It feels like an invitation and a challenge at the same time, and I think it makes the photos even more striking.

Each of the photos in this series are quite literally dedicated to the painter whose work she is celebrating. Most of them are mentioned by last name (Klimt, Degas, etc.), but Frida Khalo, the only artist to whom two photos are dedicated, is instead mentioned by her first name as if she were an intimate.

I love her style and her bravery, and I look forward to seeing what she does next!

You can follow Katerina Belkina on her website and on Instagram and Facebook.