Agnieszka Lepka is a Polish photographer whose work explores the intricate relationship between humans and nature. Through analogue photography, she draws visual parallels between human anatomy and natural elements. Lepka’s most recognised series, ‘Human vs Nature’, presents typological diptychs that juxtapose human anatomy with elements of the natural world. She pairs images of things such as eye veins with lightening, fingerprints with tree rings etc., highlighting the striking similarities between human biology and the environment. Her work suggests that rather than being separate from nature, we are intrinsically linked, sharing patterns, structures and rhythms. Through her work, Lepka challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature as an extension of ourselves. Her photography acts as a bridge between art, science, and philosophy, offering a poetic yet profound reminder that the body and the earth share the same language.

During this project, Lepka primarily uses analogue cameras which require a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to composition. Whereas digital photography allows you to take multiple shots and review them instantly, film photography forces her to slow down and carefully consider framing, and focus on the essential details. This method aligns with the project’s theme of observation and connection between humans and nature. Her use of close-up photography captured details that may usually have been overlooked, reinforcing the idea that human bodies and nature share a profound, often invisible connection. It also emphasises the intricate patterns found in both the human body. It allows her to highlight textures like fingerprints, veins and skin imperfections, drawing direct visual comparisons to natural forms like tree rings, river paths, and topographic maps. She often usually works with soft natural lighting to keep an organic look and feel to her images. This lighting helps to unify human and natural elements, making them appear as part of the same visual and conceptual world. Lepka’s images often consist of deliberately plain, neutral backgrounds that are more simple. This is to keep the viewer’s attention on the diptych comparisons. By removing distractions, she allows the viewer to focus solely on the links between human anatomy and natural forms.

The project strips down the elements to their essence, removing unnecessary visual clutter to emphasize the connections between humanity and nature. The diptych format and framing gives the series a feel similar to scientific comparisons in biology or geology. Through the use of the natural light and analogue textures, Lepka creates an aesthetic that feels raw, organic, and deeply connected to nature. Her work also creates an emotional depth, encouraging viewers to reflect on their place within nature rather than apart from it.