Impermanence, 2021

Michaela Haider  

This artwork presents a striking juxtaposition of colors and textures. A young individual is captured in profile, facing a transparent barrier that divides the canvas into two dominant tones: a deep, evocative red on the left and a serene blue on the right. The subject's expression is thoughtful and introspective, as if contemplating the mysterious divide. Their attire—adorned with a floral pattern—complements the soft petals seemingly suspended in mid-air, enhancing the ethereal quality. The delicate interplay between the petals and the bold color scheme creates a dynamic visual experience, immersing the viewer in a narrative of contrast and harmony. The invisible boundary suggests themes of separation and introspection, inviting deeper reflection on the barriers we encounter in life.

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