Artwork description:

This macro photo of Cladonia Stellaris lichens, taken in the forests of Sweden, invites you to see a whimsical world within a raindrop. If you look closely, the reflection of lichen branches forms the silhouette of an animal face. It’s a playful blend of light, imagination, and nature’s hidden stories, told in its own visual language, sharing a tale of life and growth.

This image a tribute to the role lichens play as pioneers of life. These tiny organisms transform bare stone into fertile ground, laying the foundation for entire ecosystems. Over time, they make way for mosses, plants, and eventually animals. The animal face in the raindrop symbolizes this journey—starting with lichens and leading to the richness of life we see today.

Honored as a finalist in the Arte Laguna Prize 16, "Inside the Drop" was exhibited at the prestigious Arsenale of Venice in 2023. It’s a celebration of the hidden wonders in nature, where even the smallest details can reveal the biggest stories.


PRINT INFORMATION:

* Medium: Giclée print on Canson Fine Art paper
* Edition size: Limited to 3 copies
* Details: Signed and numbered by the artist, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity
* Dimensions: Image size 80 x 60 cm
* Shipping: Sent rolled in a durable mailing tube (10 cm diameter).


ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Inna Etuvgi is a Swedish-Chukchi art photographer whose work explores the delicate balance between nature, humanity, and technology. Growing up in the remote Arctic, where survival depends on sensitivity to nature’s smallest signs, Etuvgi developed a deep respect for the fragile ecosystems she now captures in her art.

Living with Aphantasia—an inability to visualise mental images—Etuvgi turns to nature to reflect her inner landscapes, using her camera and digital art to externalise emotions and sensations. Through her macro photography, she magnifies the intricate details of nature's smallest elements, urging viewers to see their beauty, quiet resilience, and essential role in sustaining ecosystems. Her work highlights our bond with nature and challenges the human-centred worldview, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life and encouraging a more mindful, compassionate relationship with the natural world.

Beginning her artistic journey in 2020, Etuvgi was internationally recognised as a finalist for the Arte Laguna Prize in 2022 and received a grant from the Swedish Arts Grants Committee in 2023. As art critic Tabish Khan notes, “Her work transports us to other worlds—both real and imaginary, but always in harmony with nature.”

Materials used:

fine art paper, archival pigment inks

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