Fine Art nominee

‘Dorada’ was photographed in a freshwater cenote in the Yucatan peninsular of Mexico. Thousands of small gold fish filled this particular pool and rather than be afraid of us, when we began shooting they swarmed around us. When I realised that the shoot would be filled with these fish, I asked Laura to switch into a perfect pale orange dress that she had brought with her. Everything came together for this image, the light was incredible that day and Laura’s freediving skills puts her perfectly at ease in this environment.

Lexi Laine is based in the UK and specialises in creating ethereal underwater photography in some of the most unique locations around the globe. She has spent several years training as a freediver in order to extend the amount of time she can stay underwater. Works responding to the human impact on the marine environment can be seen throughout the artist’s portfolio. Influences of historical painting, fantasy and folklore can also often be found in her images. Laine enjoys explorations of surreal contradictions, blurring boundaries and using photography as a means to create otherworldly, emotive art.

Laine studied BA Fine Art at UCA (University for the Creative Arts) Canterbury in 2001-2004 and since graduating has been building her career as a photographer and artist. In 2020 Laine was awarded the winner of the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize Photography Award. In 2018 and 2019 she was awarded ‘Image of the Year’ by leading UK training provider, Photography Farm. Also in 2019 Laine was sponsored by Sony UK to create a short behind the scenes documentary of her practise titled 'Under The Surface'. The project was undertaken in the magical cenotes of the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico.