Australian photomedia artist Tamara Dean (b. 1976) makes lush and evocative portraits in which figures immerse themselves in nature – swinging from branches or hiding amongst bright blossoms. The images are a clear reminder that we are neither separate from, nor su- perior to, our surroundings. Dean explains: “To see ourselves as different from the ecology and ecosystem of our planet is leaving humanity unprepared for the world we are shaping.” The artist’s intention is to show just how much we have to lose, whilst highlighting the indel- ible links between people and their environments. Here, arms are engulfed by dense leaves and legs emerge from amongst pink flowers. There is a sense of energy and movement, as figures make leaps of faith from tree to tree, or fall backwards, playfully, into hydrangeas. Dean’s latest show, The Flower Duet, transports viewers into romantic gardens and under- water sets. It is at Michael Reid, Sydney, from 7 February – 8 March. tamaradean.com.au

Image credits:
1. Tamara Dean, From the series High Jinks in the Hydrangeas, (2020).
2. Tamara Dean, From the series In Our Nature, (2017).