Adamantine, 2022

Michaela Haider  

This striking artwork presents a nude figure seated with their back to the viewer, embedded within a lush, moss-covered rocky terrain. The contours of the human form emphasize vulnerability and integration with nature, contrasting the soft skin tones against the deep greens of the moss. The subject's spine is prominently visible, adding a raw, textural element that mirrors the rugged surface of the rocks. The composition's captivating use of natural lighting and shadow creates a serene yet mysterious atmosphere, suggesting themes of retreat and introspection. This visual fusion between the human body and the natural environment evokes a sense of harmony and isolation, inviting viewers to reflect on humanity's intrinsic connection to nature. The positioning of the figure within the rock crevice intensifies the sense of seclusion, making it a compelling exploration of solitude and the yearning for communion with the earth.

Starting with photographic base elements, such as the figure or the landscape, Haider transforms the scenery into a surreal world through heavy post-production. She uses photographs, that in their essence capture something real, to merge these aspects of reality, slowly creating something unreal and imagined, yet familiar in its story -  a dreamscape, drawing from the essence underneath the surface. In her work the unspoken finds itself translated into images.

Hahnemühle Photo Rag (HPR) 300g. Edition of 10 + 1AP.  Print comes with a 2.5 cm white border. Other sizes: Small size: 30 H x 30 W cm. Edition 3/15 + 1AP  and Large size: 80 H x 80 W cm. Edition 5 + 1AP