"In childhood, photography naturally chose me," says Kalia Gisèle Littman Cohen, a young Israeli photographer specializing in phototherapy, a self-healing technique she now wants to share with others. Originally from the Jerusalem area, Kalia has been living in Tel Aviv for five years. In high school, she studied art and theater before serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a military photographer. A true calling that she transformed into a professional career. After her service, Kalia worked as a creative director at the renowned tattoo studio Gida in Tel Aviv, where she managed social media campaigns. The talented Kalia leverages her personal experiences and uses her gift to enhance those in front of the lens. Portrait of a unique artist who "captures" flaws and wounds to create works of art.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Kalia moved to Tel Aviv and turned her focus to the fashion industry. She began by photographing models and then worked with major brands like Foot Locker, Coca-Cola, and Adidas. However, it was during her travels, especially to developing countries in Africa, Laos, and Thailand, that her passion for photography truly solidified.
"Since I was very young, photography was my way of understanding the world. I started at the age of 8, and at that time, it was not common for children to handle cameras. In high school, when I studied theater, I considered becoming an actress, but my travels confirmed my love for photography. I began photographing different peoples and cultures, and this art became my preferred domain, in an obvious way. It allowed me to open up to others and express myself fully. Over time, I also realized that I could combine photography, production, film, and editing to create a mix of creative experiences," Kalia tells Itonnews.
Her First Phototherapy Exhibition in Tel Aviv
Reviving trauma and bringing it to light. At the age of 9, Kalia was the victim of a terrible accident during a summer camp in Metzoke Dragot, when her camp counselor accidentally poured boiling water on her; a tragedy that led to a year of hospitalization, significant scarring, and a long rehabilitation.
"It took me time to accept my scars; I was uncomfortable with my body, but then I understood that they were part of my story and had shaped me. So, I decided to pursue phototherapy and organize an exhibition featuring people who had experienced similar fates. It was my moment to reveal who I was and, above all, to have an impact on others, showing them that having scars is something beautiful and that there is no shame in it," Kalia explains.
After a call for participants, Kalia received dozens of messages from people eager to join the project. Within a few months, she photographed 70 people from across Israel. The exhibition took place at the Tel Aviv port for 10 days last May.
"It’s a sensitive topic because people struggle to show their scars, but I felt that they were tired of hiding and wanted to live freely, like everyone else. I wanted the viewer to be aware of the difference in others and see how proudly the scars I exhibit are presented. Understanding that the people photographed embrace their scars gives strength and can release blockages in some; that was my goal. I always choose to highlight beauty, the pure and real aspect, and I want to restore confidence to those who have lost it," Kalia explains.
Each day, between 200 and 300 people admired Kalia’s photos, including families of hostages who reported feeling stronger as a result.
"The exhibition took place at a time when the people of Israel have the most scars, and this topic resonates greatly with people because we are in the midst of a war and the nation is suffering," says Kalia.
Some photos are very harsh and striking, such as those of a woman who was burned on 70% of her body at the age of 4. In the exhibition, the public also saw a large photo of Kalia showcasing her scars on her thighs. The second part of the exhibition, currently in the works and set to be released in the next six months, will focus on invisible scars, post-trauma, and victims of rape.
Kalia has also conducted phototherapy sessions with survivors of the Nova festival and injured soldiers.
Highlighting Imperfections
A year ago, Kalia undertook a unique project on Instagram, photographing 10 women who had suffered partial facial paralysis for years. "This is something that happened to me personally and can affect anyone, but it is not talked about enough, and medicine doesn’t provide many answers," she says.
"I love photographing people as they truly are through the trials they endure, to be as close to reality as possible, even if it’s not perfect, because that’s what makes it so beautiful. Our weaknesses and sufferings are what build and elevate us, and that’s what I want to convey through my art," Kalia affirms.
Kalia plans to photograph the hostages returning from Gaza. In the meantime, she is working on a major campaign with dancers for Adidas and hopes to take her exhibition on scars to Europe and sell it to hospitals "to show how the body reacts to extreme events and the results it produces with the scars that mark us forever."
Next month, she will begin her studies in phototherapy at Tel Aviv University and hopes to study photography in Paris or Switzerland in the future.
Caroline Haïat
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