Artist Spotlight - Alex Sher
Biography
Alex Sher is an award-winning American underwater fine art photographer internationally recognized for his distinctive depictions of feminine sensuality.
Sher was born in Kyiv, Ukraine in 1962 and moved to the United States with his family in 1995.
Anesthesia
Lost in a sea of rich saturation of dark and light blue colors, a feminine form gracefully traverses the expanse of the water. Alex Sher’s “Anesthesia” invites us into an abstracted alternate reality, the other side of the mirror. As if we were immersed in an aquatic version of Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night”, Sher’s photography masterfully captures a beautiful magical underwater world where rapidly releasing bubbles mirror the cosmos. Calm in her stride, we are left disoriented does she glide above us or is she trapped below?
“Anesthesia” is a part of Alex Sher’s popular series “Reflections”, underwater photographs that could be almost mistaken for abstract paintings. In fact “Reflections” are straight photographic capturing of the water’s surface from below, with a submerged underwater camera. The photographs freeze natural momentary reflections in water surface the unique kaleidoscopic fragmentations of human body into nearly unrecognizable forms.
It is these bold accents of color, mesmerizing textures, dramatic lines, and distinctive distortions that make Sher’s works unique highly advisable masterpieces.
Sher started showing his photographs in the early nineties in Ukraine. Later in US he began experimenting with underwater photography and sharply moved toward figurative fine art. His latest artistic innovations blend figurative and abstract photography into forms that could be almost mistaken for abstract paintings.
Blood and Milk III
Underwater photograph of a topless young woman with white tulle scarf taking off her red skirt on bright red background.
Sher’s photography began to attract extensive interest in 2015. To date, his works have been exhibited in London, Paris, New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other major cities including the Louvre Museum in Paris. His first solo show was held in 2016 in Los Angeles by Bruce Lurie Gallery. Since his debut, Sher had seven exclusive exhibitions, participated in numerous group exhibitions and prominent art fairs.
Double Trouble
Underwater black and white nude photograph of two young women in a swimming pool.
Sher's photographs are published in 74 magazines articles in 12 countries. His first photo book “Mermaids” has been published in 2018.
Sher mastered the profession of underwater coaching. Bringing forth his technical and artistic innovations, he generously shares his techniques with his models and aspiring photographers.
Dancing Flowers
A magnificent underwater nude photograph of a young woman wrapped in aqua blue tulle. The photograph was taken with deep black background emphasizing the harmony of colors and shapes.
Exquisite Ghost
The serene, translucent aqua backdrop blends fluidly with the soft, blurred form, creating a dreamlike interplay of light and shape. The piece evokes a sense of calm and mystery, as the delicate figure appears both present and intangible, embodying the elusive nature of perception. The "Exquisite Ghost" captures the ethereal beauty of a figure floating just beneath the surface, where the water distorts the body into an abstract reflection.
"Exquisite Ghost" is a part of the series "Reflections", underwater photographs that could be easily mistaken for abstract paintings. In fact "Reflections" are photographs of the water surface taken with underwater cameras looking from the water depth toward the surface.
Mercury
Underwater nude photograph of a young women partially wrapped in bright red scarf on black background.
Pointe
Underwater photograph of ballerina tying up her pointe shoes.
Four years ago I wrecked my sailboat and was self-medicating with vodka at a Russian restaurant when I suddenly noticed a cute girl hanging from the ceiling right above my glass. She was not only beautiful, she was a dancer too, and she agreed to model for me underwater.
Two days later, if you stopped by my pool you’d see a fully dressed ballerina with her hands underwater and me wriggling at the bottom around her dance e shoes. I kept asking her to tie and untie her pointe hypnotized by the small hands entwined in ribbons and light. I took quite a few pictures that day. This one is my favorite.
Porcelain and Тurquoise
Underwater nude photograph of a young women diving next to the bright turquoise dress she just took off.
Porcelain II
Underwater nude photograph of a young woman on neutral black background.
Porcelain aside from being an exquisite material is the name of my project. The premise of the project my best underwater photos in a porcelain color scheme on a black background with no dress, no face, nor second pictures for the same model. The project started in 2017.
This is the second photo from the Porcelain series.
Pristine
Underwater nude photograph of a young woman in a pool.
Private Pool
Visually floating within this underwater abstract photograph, “Private Pool” uncovers a new perspective on the inherent beauty of the water and the feminine form. The work reveals the skin tones of the nude body, the bright blues and vibrant greens of the terrestrial world above, and the cascade of bubbles escaping towards the surface. This chaotic rippling scene of vivid colors and distorted female forms reminds the works of renowned masters of the art world. Sher’s “Private Pool”, in particular, brings to mind the fantastic constructions of Gustav Klimt.
“Private Pool” is a part of Alex Sher’s popular series “Reflections”, underwater photographs that could be almost mistaken for abstract paintings. In fact “Reflections” are straight photographic capturing of the water’s surface from below, with a submerged underwater camera. The photographs freeze natural momentary reflections in water surface the unique kaleidoscopic fragmentations of human body into nearly unrecognizable forms. It is these bold accents of color, mesmerizing textures, dramatic lines, and distinctive distortions that make Sher’s works unique highly advisable masterpieces.
Prophetess
An evocative underwater photograph, capturing a surreal reflection on a rippling red water surface. The distorted figure, draped in flowing fabric, appears both ethereal and enigmatic, blending soft greens and whites with the deep crimson background. The water's undulating waves create a dreamlike effect, bending reality and abstracting the subject. The piece invites contemplation, conjuring visions of mysticism, fluidity, and transformation, while the reflection serves as a visual metaphor for hidden depths and otherworldly presence.
"Prophetess" is a part of the series "Reflections", underwater photographs that could be easily mistaken for abstract paintings. In fact Reflections are photographs of the water surface taken with underwater cameras looking from the water depth toward the surface.
Scream
An abstract composition capturing the dramatic interplay between vibrant crimson and stark white elements. The photograph presents a swirling vortex of deep red textures that dominate the frame, while a delicate, ghostlike white form emerges from the intensity, resembling a fluid apparition. The white central figure bears a ghostly resemblance to Edvard Munch's agonized figure, particularly in how it stands out against the turbulent background
The sense of movement and emotion both works convey a powerful sense of dynamic energy and emotional intensity through their fluid, undulating forms
“The Scream” is a part of Alex Sher’s popular series "Reflections" underwater photographs that could be almost mistaken for abstract paintings. In fact "Reflections" are straight photographic capturing of the water’s surface with a submerged camera. The photographs freeze natural momentary reflections in water surface the unique kaleidoscopic fragmentations of human body into nearly unrecognizable forms.
Steps
A light and very becoming underwater photograph of a girl walking down the steps of a swimming pool. The light blue photograph shows no swimsuit neither nudity.
This work attracts a lot of attention at exhibitions. It was shown at the biggest US shows and recently at Louvre Carousel (Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France).
Surprise
The strength and patience of the feminine form resound in the echoing smile of Alex Sher’s underwater photograph “Surprise”. The female body becomes almost unrecognizable as the nude colors of the skin, the vivacious reds of the garments, and the tranquil blues of the water morph and fuse into one another.
“Surprise” is a part of Alex Sher’s popular series “Reflections” underwater photographs that could be almost mistaken for abstract paintings. In fact “Reflections” are straight photographic capturing of the water’s surface from below, with a submerged underwater camera.
Water Lily
Underwater photograph of a gorgeous girl with dark hair in red dress.
