Case study 2: Alicja Brodowicz:

Alicja Brodowicz, born in Krakow, Poland, is a growing photographer, who is renowned for her fine art and subjective documentary photography. She studied at Universiteit Utrecht in the Netherlands where he pursued studies in English literature and then she would later graduate from the institute of creative photography at the Silesian university in Opava, Czech Republic. She was extremely talented and continues to be. This is proven because we can look throughout her career and notice that she has been finalist and laureate in several photography competitions, including the photo annual awards in the Czech Republic, The IRIS award in Australia and the international photography awards in USA. In the Portrait category of the black and white child photo competition, she secured first place.

Her incredible photographic work has a repetition of exploring the connection between the human body and nature. One of her most fascinating projects, was her project called ‘Visual elements’ where she hunts for the similarities between humans and nature. In this project she combines images of human features or body parts with nature which illustrates the linkage of humanity and environment. It is said that she believes that the imperfections of natural elements and human forms add to their unique beauty. Her work highlights the evident juxtaposition in form and textures, which emphasize the interconnectedness of nature and humans. She states, ‘I photograph the human body’ the microcosm’, she says ‘its fragments, hair, scars, textures of skin, wrinkles. I am interested in individual particularities; I look for distinguishing features and irregularities. Imperfections are my favourites’.

Although her work might not look like it brings awareness to the human impact on nature, it most certainly does. She comments ‘The older I grow, the more intense this desire is. It is also the expression of my growing concern for the environment and the human impact on it. By combining images of the human body and elements of nature I am trying to show that we are interconnected, and our separate existence is impossible’. This clearly show how her work isn’t showing the fascination between the connection of humans and nature, It’s so much more.

Another project which she is famously known for is her project called ‘self-portrait Diary’. In this project she captures everyday objects which hold personal significance which creates a visual diary where she reflects her personal life experiences.

Although it does not look like it, her work relates to romanticism through its emotional depth and intimate connection to nature. The pairing of human and nature reflects the romantic idea of humans and nature being deeply connected. Her images, highlight vulnerability, texture and the quiet beauty which foreshadows the romantic search for the sublime in the ordinary.

More of her work below,