Artificial

About

Fiumano Projects is delighted to present the collaborative exhibition ‘Artificial’, an exploration of the ever-increasing transgression of the natural in our current society, of our endless, no-boundaries search for perfection. The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between the photographer Joana Sandrin Gauer (Brazil) and art director Cristina Hernández (Spain). It comprises of two series of contemporary fine art photographs, formed by 9 pictures printed in high quality archival pigment prints.

The first series, Eggcentric, represents a contrast between the natural and the artificial, the relationship between the fragile (egg) with aggressive, sharp, corrosive elements. It shows a delicate, precious ‘natural’, contaminated with our eagerness to always own, produce and be ‘more’.

The compositions are elegant and somewhat clinical, while revealing a rather tense contrast between the metal and the eggs. The sharp angles and corners add to this almost uncomfortable relationship; the neutral tones of the background draw our eyes to the black and silver materials and at the same time highlight the subtle details of the eggs. 

The second series, Foundation, is a reflection on our concept of beauty, and the common abuse in the consumption and usage of beauty products. It draws upon our ‘need’ to hide imperfections, our desire to be more beautiful. We literally ‘cover’ ourselves, many times leaving our natural beauty, our real selves, on a secondary plane. In the age of the selfie and mass media images of unrealistic ‘perfection’ the concept of beauty has become distorted and unattainable. Airbrushed skin, slimmed down bodies and simulated surroundings all contribute to the growing sense of dissatisfaction with our own appearance. In an attempt to emulate the perceived notions of male and female beauty.

Joana Sandrin Gauer is a Brazilian born photographer who has lived in London for over 10 years. She studied photography, design and propaganda in São Paulo, before starting her BA course in photography at the University of Westminster, London. After many years assisting still life photographers, she has adopted the genre herself, and currently works on commission in both the UK and in Brazil.

Cristina Hernández is originaly from Barcelona, Spain. She has a BA hons degree in Graphic Design from Escola Massana Barcelona. Hernández is an independent designer and art director with more than12 years of experience in the design industry. She combines her design composition, colour and creativity in all her works. Usually she collaborates with professionals from different fields such as photography, film, illustration and digital art.