Vigil, 2022

Michaela Haider  

This artwork presents a striking juxtaposition of human vulnerability against the grandeur of nature. A solitary figure lies curled on jagged, moss-covered rocks, their skin contrasting starkly with the earth tones surrounding them. The moss is vibrant, its yellows and greens capturing the viewer's eye, suggesting life and resilience amidst harsh conditions. Above, the sky burns with deep, fiery hues of orange and red, hinting at either dawn or dusk, infusing the scene with emotional depth and mystery. The composition draws attention to the interplay between the soft, delicate human form and the rugged, ancient landscape, evoking themes of solitude, introspection, and the passage of time. This dynamic tension invites reflection on our connection to the natural world, emphasizing both our insignificance and our capacity for introspection within it. The artwork captivates with its bold contrasts and evocative mood, making a profound statement on existence.

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. Edition 1/15 printed, signed and numbered in front. Print comes with a 2.5 cm white border. Other sizes: Small size: 30 H x 30 W cm. Edition 15 + 1AP  and Large size: 80 H x 80 W cm. Edition 5 + 1AP