Fine Art nominee

This project grew out of a personal need to connect with nature, to find peace, solace and calm within it. At the core of this work is a reflection upon the human-nature relationship. In particular, there is a striving to comprehend the apparent desire for some to separate humanity from nature, to make us and our world distinct. A Nomad Through the Void asks, if humanity had a re-start, if we were to rebuild after a cataclysmic event, would we repeat the same mistakes? What is true human nature? Can we transform and evolve into more environmentally holistic beings, or revive a mutual kinship of the past? These are some of the themes that emanate from the work.
Research for this work spanned eco-feminism through to critical posthumanism, examining a dominator, or master, identity behind masculinity. Critical posthumanism places emphasis on transformation and de-familiarisation (a distancing from universal, male dominated ideals). Placing the character within this narrative outside of the familiar world of human culture, a journey of survival, release and reconciliation is embarked upon. In this world, the protagonist grapples with his place within it, and confronting his own nature, what he has become, and what he could be.

Matt E Lewis is a West Sussex based photographic artist with a passion for nature, above and below water. As a keen SCUBA diver, he began his photographic journey underwater, depicting the wonders of an alien environment, before his curiosity led to more concept driven land-based work. A wider passion for photography and nature developed from his diving experience and fourteen months travelling, mainly in South East Asia and South America. From these experiences, he has developed an engagement with nature and environmental causes. He explores themes of connection, notably concerning the human relationship to nature, also human nature itself and existential themes.

Lewis has developed his practice through frequently placing himself in front of the camera, although does not consider it self-portraiture. There is often a performative narrative to his work, with keen attention to body language and gesture. The body itself, with complex and nuanced meanings, is a key element. As someone who practices Buddhist insight meditation, he carries through a calm, considered approach to his work, and life, mindful of others, whether human or non-human. Lewis is also interested in posthumanism, particularly ideas of interconnectivity and vital materialism.