Artist Petrina Hicks creates a world of her own through her still life photography, exploring all aspects of femininity.

Each still life series of Hicks follow’s a dominant theme, investigating thoroughly the elements of sexuality and the human condition. “I do explore female identity throughout the work, in different ways. Often making reference to mythology and art history and drawing associations between these elements and contemporary image culture,” she says.

Captivating and emotive, Hicks entices viewers to enter her soft yet dark imagination. 
 The series 'Beautiful Creatures' provides a perfect example of the idiosyncratic photographic expression that trademarks Hicks soft and hauntingly beautiful work.

Hicks explains; “The surface of the images look white or pure - this pure surface is a foil for the darker, less appealing ideas and subject matter often explored within the works. It creates a polarity/tension within the works.
In series 'Beautiful Creatures' I was exploring the visceral qualities of flesh, hair, veins, wounds - the creature like nature of all humans and animals.
The soft pastel hues, quiet colours, symmetry and harmony on the surface draw the viewer in, yet the subject matter, or ideas explored repel, embarrass or disturb the viewer.
 I'm interested in developing a tension between the surface of my images and the subjects/ideas explored, creating a push/pull effect on the viewer.


http://www.petrinahicks.com

Words / Bridgette Hungerford