Fine Art 2nd place winner

‘La Ultima’ meaning ‘The Last’ is an underwater photograph I made in response to the disappointing outcome of the recent COP26 climate conference. We are living in a time where we are told by leading scientists that we are heading towards dangerous levels of temperature rises, the effects of which will have devastating results on our planet. It plays on my mind that if our nations don’t make dramatic changes, we could be facing the end of our world as we know it within our lifetimes. The idea that the storylines in apocalyptic movies could be a prediction of our future is something that fills both my conscious and subconscious thoughts. This image is a surreal mix of dystopia along with the influence of baroque art. I’ve often thought of my underwater photography as being a form of escapism from the realities of life above the surface but as time goes on, I see darker messages creeping into my work, if not always in an obvious way.

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.