Demenkova (b.1980) has been a documentary photographer since 2004. She focuses on social issues of everyday life, ranging from the homeless, migrant workers, from psychiatric institutions to ropewalkers, circus and street artists. She was a prizewinner of the Best Photo Correspondent of the Year (St.Petersburg, 2004-2006) including the Grand Prix in 2006; was commended at the Ian Parry Scholarship (2006).

Alexandra took part in the 14th annual World Press Photo Joop Swart Masterclass in Amsterdam in 2007 and was chosen to be a resident artist in Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, the Netherlands, for 2008-2009.

"Being a photographer I get a unique opportunity to get acquainted with people of different social backgrounds, lifestyles, nationalities, to find myself in a completely new ambiance and even to become part of it for a while. To see how people live, to communicate with them and explore their way of life, daily occupations and traditions and through the means of photography to tell other people about it."

The Talk was presented in association with The Centre for Russian, Central and East European Studies (CRCEES).

Documentation from the evening: