June 9 – July 3, 2022
Artist Reception 12 June, 2022 4 to 6 pm
Online Artist Talk 28 June, 2022 7 to 8.30pm
My life changed when I came to Maine, USA in 2013. At the end of 2015, my life changed even more – I got a photo camera and my view of the world became different through lenses. Photography was a hobby for my father, and I remember the smell of chemicals from being with him in his darkroom. Who knew that after more than 35 years from my first brief touch of photography, I would become an artist, and visual art started playing a significant role in my life?
I believe that all art media reacts with the processes going on in the world, encourages people to see deeply ourselves and the world: why we are in this world, what will remain after us for future generations. Processes like education, climate change, technology, international connections between countries and cultures connected with humanity are ongoing, and they are part of our integration that we have to be aware of.
This series, Enigma is my interpretation of the relationship between our human existence and the Earth. This bond is a full mix of fantasy and mystery that stimulates our minds to invent and invigorate possibilities.
My process is to use in camera double-exposures as metaphors for my vision. In these dual images, my subject becomes a mythical being as he blends with an untamed natural setting, forming an altered reality. The result is a dive into a human soul.
We all witness the endless flux of life. I invite and provoke the viewer to see deeply into what mysteries are hidden in the intimate corners of the soul. I hope that in the end, one finds answers as to what legacies will be left behind.
About Olga Merrill
Olga Merrill is an award-winning Maine based visual artist primarily using the medium of photography. She uses photography as a tool – like an instrument to make music or a brush for painting – to create an image of her vision, with a dreamy and indirect relationship to external reality. Some images are essentially representative photography of the world around her that nevertheless dissolve into the wonder of abstract patterns, while others are complex manipulations of the ordinary visual world that use intentional camera movement, multiple exposures, and well planned color palettes to reflect her vision, dreams and feelings.
Merrill’s work has been part of group shows and festivals nationally and internationally, including NYC Center of Photography (USA), Davis Orton Gallery (USA), Foto-Foto Gallery (USA), Griffin Museum of Photography (USA), Praxis Gallery (USA), PH21 Gallery (Hungary), Malta Postal Museum (Malta), Fondazione de Matalon (Italy), Rockport Art Association & Museum (USA), Blank Wall Gallery (Greece), online shows at Center for Photographic Arts (USA), Center for Fine Art Photography (USA), among others.
Merrill was the 1st Place Winner, International Juried exhibit ” Black and White 2020″, NYC4PA; 1st place winner, 15th Annual National Photography Competition at Foto-Foto Gallery, 2019; Silver Award at San Francisco Bay International Photography Competition, 2019; Juror’s Choice Award at International Exhibitions, Praxis Gallery, 2018.
