Expansion, 2021

Michaela Haider  

This mesmerizing artwork captures a moment of serene liberation. A solitary figure, enrobed in a flowing dress, appears to float effortlessly above the earth, arms outstretched in an expression of freedom. Surrounding her, a flock of birds takes flight, creating a dynamic contrast against the soft, muted tones of the sky. The background features bare, skeletal trees, their branches reaching skyward, enhancing the sense of elevation and escape. The interplay of light and shadow on the figure's dress adds depth and movement, suggesting a gentle breeze. This piece uniquely melds realism and fantasy, drawing the viewer into a dreamlike scene that speaks to themes of transcendence and harmony with nature. The careful composition and ethereal quality invite contemplation, engaging the viewer in an exploration of freedom and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.

:: Ever dreamed the dream of flight?

That ache, standing in the wind, to expand your wings, to feel the air rush by, to let yourself be carried across the world into a different mode of being. Hold on to that dream, that feeling of expansion.

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. Sheet size: 65 H x 65 W cm. Image size: 60 H x 60 W cm Edition 2/3 + 1AP. Unframed.

More Sizes and Editions: Large size: 80 H x 80 W cm. Edition 2/3 + 1AP.