Reality to Polish artist Paulina Otylie Surys may be different from our views. A classically trained painter and fashion photographer, nothing but the fusion of the different art forms depict her imagery of earthlings. With innovative combinations of toners and inks over dry dyes on silver gelatin fibre paper, her photographic works are just original and unique.

And WE are delighted to see these heavenly scenes at Richard Young Gallery in London.

Embracing experimentation and creative adventure, Surys draws inspiration from the earliest forms of photography and eschews digitisation to shoot exclusively on analogue. She uses an array of cameras – the most modern one made in the 1970s – and works with a wide range of film sizes including 35mm, medium and large format. Her most recent experimentation has involved the wet-plate collodion process first introduced in 1851. This process has been described as ‘painting with light’ and in these works you can see the liquid marks across the print. Surys draws on inspiration derived from classical paintings, literature, history, mythology and religion to present elements of her subjects in ways not commonly seen. Each work is representative of her multifaceted skills as an art director, photographer and painter.

“I seek to draw something uniquely personal from my subjects, the very essence of their self. My elaborately detailed compositions possess a narrative that I hope will add insight into the soul of my subjects.” the dreamer said.

Paulina Otylie Surys: The Garden of Earthly Delights
6 February – 27 April 2013
Richard Young Gallery

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