Artwork description:

I was born and raised in Chukotka, in the Arctic. In my motherland lichens and mosses are the main and sometimes the only representatives of local endemic. And these particular Cladonia stellaris lichens are the main food source for the reindeer that my native people, the Chukchi, breed. Reindeer are everything to the Chukcha people: food, clothes, and shelter. Thus Lichens gave life to my ancestors, and now these tiny organisms gave a new life to me as to an artist :)))


"INSIDE THE DROP" is a macro photo of Cladonia Stellaris lichens, captured in the forest of Sweden in 2021.

Can you see the face of an animal inside the drop? I didn't create it, but I was lucky to capture this moment, when the mesmerizing game of reflections inside the raindrop turned into this image. This is what I adore in photography: capturing a magical moment that gives a feeling of a silent dialogue with nature in the visual language, when nature tells me its tales and stories, which I can capture to share with others.

And this photo story is about Lichens!

Lichens have a special role and impact on the ecosystem. But they are so small and often remain overlooked by people. But I find them amazing: their fractal patterns are stunning, and the stories and facts about them make me wonder. When I study lichens through the macro lens of the camera, I have a surrealistic feeling of a blurring line between the dream and the reality!


I think they deserve to be known!

Lichens are neither plants nor animals, but an organism that emerges from a symbiosis of algae and fungus! And this collaboration is so powerful that lichens can survive where others cannot. Having no roots and taking nutrients from the air, lichens can settle on bare rocks and start to prepare soil for the next ones. After them, mosses and grass can grow, and then the next more complex organism… This is what this photo reflects for me — lichens hold a drop of life's essence.


The photo is a part of the "ALIEN" collection, which is dedicated to lichens and their wonderful qualities.

🏆 This artwork brought me to the final of the Arte Laguna Prize 16 and is showcased at the finalists' exhibition at the Arsenale of Venice from March 11 to April 16, 2023.


ABOUT THE PRINT:

The artwork is printed in a limited edition of 15, using Hahnemuehle fine art paper and archival pigment inks. Chosen materials provide age resistance to fading, deep colours, and contrast of prints.



Each print is signed, numbered, and comes with a certificate.


Editions and sizes:

Actual size with the signature 24 x 18 cm - edition of 25
Actual size with the signature 40 x 30 cm - edition of 15 ✅
Actual size with the signature 50 x 40 cm - edition of 15
Actual size with the signature 80 x 60 cm - edition of 3

Actual size with the signature 120 x 90 cm - edition of 1

Custom edition - 2 pcs, media, and size on request
Special edition for the Arte Laguna Prize Exhibition - dibond print 100x80cm - belongs to the Cultural Association MoCA.


📸 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Etuvgi is a Sweden-based self-educated artist with aphantasia, which uses photography and digital art to visualize her feelings, concepts, and dreams.

Etuvgi's works have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions internationally. In 2022, she became a finalist at the Arte Laguna Prize 16. In 2023, the artist was granted a stipend from the Swedish Arts Grants Committee.

Materials used:

fine-art paper from Hahnemuhle, archival pigment inks

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