Psyche

Psyche, an ancient greek princess more beautiful than Venus. This work is all about beauty and how to preserve it for eternity. Like in scientific butterfly collections, these "Psyches" are pinned on their peak of beauty.

This fantastically unique photography exhibition to me seems very suited to the fashion industry. However the impact comes from the fact that the women in the images are naked, stripped bare of all protection and although stunningly beautiful they are vulnerable. The vivid colours seem to glow off the black background on which they sit, portraying the beauty that still glimmers even once no life is left. The harsh shadows created on the women's bodies make them appear more creature-like while emphasising those alluring curves. The successful combination of the human form with an insects wings creates for a powerful image and provokes a strong emotional reaction for the lives of the butterflies because they have been humanised.

From far away this exhibition looks quite cold and scientific made up of pinned butterflies. However when you get up close you realise there's much more to this artwork, it is sensual, emotional and a real statement of natural beauty,