Flora 026 by David Axelbank

HHS! contender David Axelbank's entry instantly reminded me of a show I saw at the Guggenheim three years ago, "Spanish Paintings From El Greco to Picasso." No, his photographs do not recall El Greco or Picasso, but brought to mind lesser-known still-life painters Zurbar and Juan Sánchez Cotán. I was then, as I am now when looking at David's work, impressed by the depth of the darkness that the three artists employ in their compositions.

From his statement, David writes:

The flower forms emerge out of the dark, their distinct personalities condensed against the black background. Simple and raw in their presentation, these compositions nevertheless maintain a formality typical in floral photography, their night time setting serving to heighten their sensual beauty and the sensory experience for the viewer.

View more of David's work on his site.