A Hippopotamus, 2024

Dubravka Lazic  

This mesmerizing artwork captures a tranquil, miniature world where a hippo luxuriates in a serene river, nestled within a lush, verdant landscape. The scene is framed by rugged rock formations, and the flowing water is depicted with a sparkling, crystal-clear appearance, suggesting movement and life. Surrounding the hippo, meticulously crafted foliage and vibrant mosses add depth and texture, providing a vivid contrast to the smooth, cool blues of the river. Above, ethereal bubbles dance in the air, creating a whimsical atmosphere. The artist's skillful use of texture and color invites viewers to explore the intricate details, evoking a sense of peace and wonder. This innovative piece stands out for its dynamic composition and the immersive, almost three-dimensional quality that transports the observer into a hidden, enchanting ecosystem.

The exploration of the concept of play as an artistic impulse presents playful, almost "baroque-written"photographs that are the result of a repeated (recycled) notion of play. Starting from the fact that every artistic work should be supported in an authentic experience, Dubravka Lazić restores the personal sense of play by using old, forgotten (but safeguarded) children's toys, creating new "worlds" through realistic models and presenting them through the medium of photography. Dubravka Lazić is an artist and professor of photography whose work combines analog and digital techniques, often exploring the interplay between reality and imagination. Her practice is marked by a poetic visual language that intertwines narrative, memory, and experimentation. Through photography, photograms, and mixed media processes, she creates layered images that evoke intimacy and reflection, while also highlighting the subtle tension between tradition and contemporary approaches. 

From It's All About the Game Series. Pigment print on Ilford Gallery cotton paper 310gms. certificate of originality. Other sizes: 50 H x 75 W cm. Edition 2/10 + 1AP