Narelle Autio’s otherworldy images capture the mystery of the deep

Narelle Autio: The Eyes of Her
Hugo Michell Gallery

South Australian photographer Narelle Autio is presenting her latest body of work, The Eyes of Her, at Hugo Michell Gallery for this year’s SALA Festival. The exhibition includes powerful photographs and a single-channel video work that delve into the otherworldly myths and legends associated with the sea. They also reflect the deep connection Australians have to the ocean.

Autio has developed a successful photography practice spanning more than 30 years. Her work typically includes use of vivid colour, intense light and complex compositions to create photographs that encapsulate the beauty of the Australian landscape, in particular coastal life.

“I have always been drawn to the sea,” she says. “I have used it as a muse all of my life.

“I love the mystery of the deep and I am interested in water as a transformative space. A place in between life and death, a place of possibility and change.”

Narelle Autio, Utuneito (the mist maiden), 2024, pigment print, 154.5 x 102cm, edition of 8. ©Autio

The underwater images in The Eyes of Her were captured beneath various jetties along South Australia’s extensive coastline. Autio’s immersive photographs not only contemplate our relationship to water, but also explore the mysterious and alluring world of the ocean as depicted in folklore. There are countless tales of sirens, mermaids and other mythological creatures whose irresistible calls and songs have lured sailors and fishermen into the unknown. These stories span various cultures and mythological systems, as the ocean knows no borders or boundaries.

Autio’s photographs capture the moment when swimmers dive or jump into the water and there is an explosion of light and bubbles causing the figures to look less human and more mythical. For example, one of the photographs, titled Utuneito (the mist maiden), depicts a figure gliding through the water into the abyss. The image is named after fairy-like beings from Finnish folklore who were said to be made entirely from the morning mist and water steam.

Other works are derived from Greek Mythology, including Parthenope (the siren), whose name means maiden’s voice. Parthenope cast herself into the sea and drowned when her songs failed to entice Odysseus. Autio’s image of the goddess of the sea, Amphitrite (of the sea), is especially striking.

Narelle Autio’s The Eyes of Her at Hugo Michell Gallery, 2024. Photo: Sam Roberts

A highlight of the exhibition is the single-channel video work The Eyes of Her: Siren I, which is instantly captivating. The short film with a soundtrack composed by Phil Turcio transports the viewer to another world, exuding relaxation and deep intrigue as figures dive into the water.

“I wanted to include the moving image to bring back that element of movement to the work,” says Autio. “The photographs are so still. They belie the energy of a body hitting the water. There is such a transformation of energy when a person hits the water.”

The Eyes of Her is a series that explores our deep connection with the ocean in both a physical and mythological way. Autio’s enthralling images invite the audience to dive in and escape into another world.

“There is so much ugliness and destruction that is caused by our existence,” says Autio. “Maybe this is the foil to that. We all enjoy the ocean the same way. And look how amazing we are when we just be.”

Narelle Autio, Amphitrite (of the sea), 2024, pigment print, 154.5 x 102cm, edition of 8. © Autio

The Eyes of Her is showing at Hugo Michell Gallery in Beulah Park until September 7 as part of the 2024 SALA Festival.

Read more SALA coverage here.