Aphrodite

Photograph, digital composite

Cape Town MMXVIII

Limited edition art photography print on archival paper

‘Aphrodite’ is a unique creation that embraces the beautiful chaos of the organic world and reshapes it into something graphically and mathematically ordered, visually contrasting civilisation with the natural world, intellect with feeling. Inspired by the dusty pink hues of the dying Protea plant, this image was captured in the serene Deer Park nature reserve in Cape Town, South Africa, and then reimagined to become something more figurative than literal.

Using digital mirroring to instantly induce a fresh perspective, I've transformed a forensic capture into a surreal and striking composition. The dreamy depth of the image is a result of using the Petzval 85 lens, a unique vintage lens known for its swirly bokeh effect and very shallow depth of field. This creates a striking contrast between moments of incredible detail and vast expanses of soft focus, imbuing the image with an ethereal quality.

The mirroring effect also serves to humanise nature by evoking an Animistic view – the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. It evokes ideas about being face to face with beings from alternate realms of reality, whether spiritual or psychedelic. As human, animal, spirit, and alien faces emerge from the symmetrical composition, the image becomes reminiscent of a Rorschach test, revealing clues about our subconscious. The title alludes to my personal perception of the image, but this tends to change slightly with every revisit. 

Drawing inspiration from the South African landscape, my work explores the broad spectrum of perception we dial into through the act of photography, deeply studying an environment with open eyes, open mind, and open heart. "Aphrodite" is an interrogation of perception and imagination, but ultimately a playful exploration of the medium of photography, regarding the digital image as something malleable, and magical.

This powerful and impactful artwork harnesses the beauty of nature and transforms it into an enigmatic visual experience. The piece has an energising and intriguing effect on the room it hangs in, inviting constant exploration as the viewer sees different things at different times. At the same time, the symmetry is soothing, acting as a source of balance in any space.

This limited edition art print is available in three sizes, limited to an edition of 10 in each size, making it perfect for creating a powerful visual statement and a portal into a world of magical realism. Each edition is verified (signed and numbered) on the blockchain with Verisart to ensure its authenticity. Printed on premium quality Hahnemühle German etching paper, the art print can be delivered worldwide from our printing partners in Cape Town and London. Immerse yourself in the evocative, psychedelic world of "Aphrodite" and let your imagination wrestle with its intricacies.