Photography has changed my life. Now, I hope to use it to change the lives of others.
Krystalán Chryssomallis
For over fifteen years, Krystalán Chryssomallis worked as a global music executive. During this time, she visited more than sixty countries and immersed herself in the cultures and experiences of people across the world. These travels helped Krystalán develop an appreciation for the solidarity of mankind, and now, as a photographer, Krystalán illuminates the threads that unite humanity.
Her first photography exhibition, No Borders, No Boundaries, launched in February at the Silvana Gallery in Glendale, California. Showcasing images taken by Krystalán throughout her world travels, the gallery celebrated the bonds that connect the human spirit.
Krystalán doesn’t just view photography as a storytelling device – she also recognizes its ability to spread positivity in the world. For this reason, she partnered with UNICEF for the No Borders, No Boundaries exhibition, pledging a portion of the proceeds from each print to UNICEF in support of children’s education. “Children and children’s education have always been a passion of mine. It was a natural fit to combine my love of photography and passion for children by partnering with UNICEF to not only support their “school in a box” program but also draw attention to their impact on children all around the world and feature some the children’s unique journeys and stories,” shared Krystalán, “There is so much that can be learned from a child… their incredible resilience, inner joy and curiosity of life is something that we should embrace and remember as we continue to go through life.”
Her artwork is also currently displayed at the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Thomas C. Lee, MD, who serves as Director of the Vision Center at the hospital, lauds the effects of Krystalán’s images, claiming that she’s “found a way to go into the darkest of places and discover that no amount of despair can suppress the beauty and grace of the human spirit.” Equally important, he believes that her work illustrates that “joy and resilience can exist even in the most desperate conditions.” Her images touch the lives of many and provide true hope.
Moving forward, Krystalán is committed to using her lens to spread light in the world: “The power of a photograph, the way it captures a moment in time, can be used as a powerful agent for change. It allows a viewer the extra moments needed to really reflect on what occurred, usually within a blink of an eye. When we are constantly barraged with negativity through life, that conditioning can lead us to feel we are surrounded by negativity. I feel it’s important to also see the beauty and positivity and be reminded that that too, is present and all around us. Where there is darkness, light always resides. I like to find the joy and positivity that surrounds us, even when we least expect it. Now more than ever, I think it is important to fill our minds with the goodness that exists. Not out of ignorance, but out of the understanding that where our attention goes, energy flows.”