honorable mention
Mai Naito australia
title
Oneirataxia
Personally, a memory is defined as an impression that melds visual fragments over the course of a moment. To create the pieces, photographs of intriguing moments were taken while walking through natural scenery. These photographs were then digitally layered and compressed to form a single image - depicting a passage of time within a single frame and creating an entire memory that can be held in our hands and become physical again.
By digitally layering several photographs it is intended that the work initially be read as a painting before closer inspection where the characteristics of digital technology and the photographic become apparent. By considering the role of photography and historical paintings in representing the natural landscape, and in turn, our recollections, the work aims to question the opinion that photography is a mere technological process and a tool for depicting realism devoid of human soul or emotion.
Mai grew up in an environment blessed with nature and seeing natural spaces from the perspective of her imagination. Based on her childhood experiences of seeking beauty in nature, she developed an interest in expressing psychological effect in natural space. Through this approach, she aims to connect with the audience through emotion, encouraging them to rediscover a deep connection between themselves and our natural environment.
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entry description
Oneirataxia explores my memories and imagination of the natural world through photography. Inspired by my personal childhood, the work visually depicts my recollections of daydreams when passing through natural spaces, exploring the midst of reality and fantasy. Through sheer visual pleasure and appreciation, this series encourages the audience to perceive the world subjectively and emotionally to propel the discovery of a deeper connection between themselves and their natural environment.Personally, a memory is defined as an impression that melds visual fragments over the course of a moment. To create the pieces, photographs of intriguing moments were taken while walking through natural scenery. These photographs were then digitally layered and compressed to form a single image - depicting a passage of time within a single frame and creating an entire memory that can be held in our hands and become physical again.
By digitally layering several photographs it is intended that the work initially be read as a painting before closer inspection where the characteristics of digital technology and the photographic become apparent. By considering the role of photography and historical paintings in representing the natural landscape, and in turn, our recollections, the work aims to question the opinion that photography is a mere technological process and a tool for depicting realism devoid of human soul or emotion.
about the photographer
Mai Naito is a photographer born in Osaka, Japan. She left Japan in 2015 and moved to Brisbane, Australia to study and grow in a new environment with better opportunities.Mai grew up in an environment blessed with nature and seeing natural spaces from the perspective of her imagination. Based on her childhood experiences of seeking beauty in nature, she developed an interest in expressing psychological effect in natural space. Through this approach, she aims to connect with the audience through emotion, encouraging them to rediscover a deep connection between themselves and our natural environment.
back to gallery