A Subtropical Reveal with Anastasia Samoylova

"Getting to know Florida is like getting to know America,” explained Anastasia Samoylova. When asked about what she’s learned—or how her assumptions have changed—since embarking on an exploration of the sunshine state: “You have to keep an open mind, so I write and photograph with no agenda.”

Fresh off her book tour for Floridas, a fascinating publication documenting our very own backyard, we celebrated our first reveal of Season Five with commissioned artist and photographer Anastasia. Casey Zap of Center for Subtropical Affairs opened up his private residence—a sprawling, lush space replete with a school bus, greenhouse and natural spring—with Daygee Kwia of Paperwater on the decks.

Our conversation ranged from Anastasia’s complicated relationship to her homeland of Russia, to documenting the natural environment, to the role of book-making in her practice. Here are a few references to check out:

- Floridas and FloodZone
- Lose Your Mother by Saidiya Hartman
- Walker Evans

Special thanks to Liquid Death and Tito’s Handmade Vodka for keeping everyone hydrated, to Books & Books for their partnership, and to the Commissioner team for their thoughtfulness and dedication. Photos by the remarkable Andrea Lorena.