Kaleidoscope of Butterflies

Multiple exposure photograph

Eswatini MMXVIII

Limited edition art photography print on archival paper

During a photographic adventure to Eswatini in December 2018, I stumbled upon an enchanting nook (or is it a cranny?) beside a river while trekking on foot through the amazing Mbuluzi Game Reserve. In my attempt to express a holistic sense of being in this particular hidden pocket in the dense bushveld, and capture the unique combination of textures, colours, and light that made it feel so magical to me, I used  multiple exposure photography to combine a wider landscape scene with intricate textures found within the environment. 

At a glance, the patterning of fallen leaves on the ground might be perceived as a kaleidoscope of butterflies in the air (their actual collective noun I was delighted to discover, giving the piece its name). The overlapping patterns of the indigenous vegetation also create a kind of organic kaleidoscope effect. I like the idea of an initial impression being ambiguous. Photographs often have multiple potential interpretations of what the subject might represent, but at a more fundamental level multiple exposure photography like this requires a moment to decipher the subject itself.

In most of my work, my aim is to manipulate objective reality into the realm of imagination, invoking new ways of seeing the world with experimental photographic techniques. This technique strives for a more complete immersion, creating a complex yet instantaneous impression. Seemingly abstract, this painterly photograph has double the detail – macro and micro, looking both up and down simultaneously – and therefore more objective information about the scene than a single exposure photograph.

The piece presents an intriguing contrast with its autumnal hues, considering the evergreen nature of the flora and the fact that it was midsummer during my visit. The fusion of the textures and colours of fallen leaves with the lush greenery of the trees results in a striking juxtaposition of the living and the dead, growth and decay, the fallen and the flying. This image, to me, represents the depth and enigma of the natural world, embracing the idea that nature is in perpetual flux. Despite its complexity, the prevailing impression of this landscape photograph is peaceful and ethereal, almost dreamlike. 

As an artist, I find the Southern African landscape to be a wellspring of inspiration, offering a vast array of perceptions to explore through photography. By deeply observing and connecting with my surroundings, I strive to convey a genuine sense of presence. 'Mbuluzi' embodies this inquisitive spirit and my default approach to photography as play.

This vibrant and evocative landscape print has the power to captivate and draw attention in any space it occupies. It elicits ongoing contemplation, with viewers uncovering new details within the intricate scene. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the astonishing beauty and wonder of this special place in Eswatini, where one can wander on foot through forests like our primitive ancestors did, delving deep into the natural world.

Available in three sizes, each with a limited edition of ten, this art print offers both an impactful visual and a gateway to an otherworldly realm, inspired by the sensation of being enveloped by nature. This unique addition to any photographic art collection is authenticated (signed and numbered) on the blockchain with Verisart. Printed on the finest Hahnemühle German etching paper, it can be shipped worldwide from my printing partners in Cape Town, London, or Dusseldorf.