Fine Art nominee

'La Reina' or 'The Queen' was photographed underwater, near the island of Formentera in the Mediterranean Sea. No AI elements were used in the production of this image.

The idea for this image came from the desire to combine surreal elements with the natural underwater environment. From an early age I have always been fascinated by the intricate beauty of various sea creatures. In this image I brought together the human form with vast quantities of undulating fabric, the aim was to produce a jellyfish like organic form.

The challenge of photographing someone with such a large amount of fabric in open water was great and having a safety team present was important. The woman in the photograph is a trained freediver and highly skilled model. The skirt that she is wearing is a 1973 vintage silk parachute which I hand sewed into a skirt (complete with a velcro quick release should she need to escape from the skirt quickly)

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.