LU X U R Y F I N E A R T P R I N T S
BIOPHILIC CATALOGUE SUMMER 2017 BRINGING NATURE TO YOU
ARGENTA SUMMER CATALOGUE 2017
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About us
ABOUT US ARGENTA – COMMISSIONED AND EXCLUSIVE IMAGERY
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ollecting photography was an underdeveloped market until relatively recently, when it has been enjoying a lucrative period over the past two decades, and it’s increasing. Educating the collector regarding the material the image is printed on, the photographer, the story behind the image, the provenance and more is a similar discipline a gallerist or curator employs for explaining how to collect fine art or original print Our founder, the photographer and curator, Vanessa Champion, began selling her own work printed on metal to give herself a point of difference. Now she has taken this concept further, having found the printing process we use, that enables our photographs to be exhibited anywhere, from inside a London Gallery to outside in the Chelsea Flower Show. “I founded ARGENTA in response to designers and architects requesting innovative image solutions for their clients. Realising there was a need for a luxury finish and bespoke graphics, I established ARGENTA to fulfil both art collectors, as well as interior and exterior designers’ requests for original photography and stunning longlasting, archival finishes.”
When we make an investment in art, and photography in particular, we want to ensure we are purchasing something which not only uplifts us or enhances our collection, but also will be there for generations to come. “The ARGENTA collections use a printing process which gives each print not only a stunning finish, longevity and beauty but also gives it its resilience to water, fire, humidity and abrasions, enabling collectors to literally install their art anywhere they wish, from bedrooms to wetrooms. Furthermore, your print will be there for future generations, even if there’s a flood, or you accidentally drop it on the floor and tread on it.” The summer 2017 ARGENTA collection we present to you in this catalogue celebrates nature. There are many new trends in Interior Design and the Fine Art Market, and Biophillic Design is one of these. This new trend in home, office, health centre and spa design is expanding rapidly with more and more designers taking up the reins and incorporating nature into their interior designs. Here at ARGENTA, we also believe in the power of nature to heal, uplift, improve our spirits and our health.
We have many more photographs taken all over the world, and we can source new imagery for you from practically any corner of the planet. Clients also like to know that we also shoot bespoke so your image is unique to you and you alone. From commercial studio work in Hong Kong to family groups in Hertfordshire, from devotional monks in Nepal to aerial photography in Indonesia, we photograph whatever story, memory or moment you wish. Letting the light shine from the moment we see it in camera through to fusing the image and energy onto ARGENTA and installing it in your home or office. We have photographic drone pilots, wildlife and underwater photographers, architectural imaging specialists, space photographers and many more. And all are Fine Art photographers. As well as photography and fine art, we have a hand-selected team of graphic designers who can overlay visuals or create stunning typography, visual textures and create images bespoke for you. We look forward to working with you. design@argentafineart.com www.argentafineart.com
Have a read of our article “The Importance of Nature” next up in this catalogue to see where we are coming from, and subscribe to our newsletter (link on our website or drop us an email) for tips, ideas and research. 3
ARGENTA SUMMER CATALOGUE 2017
THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURE
‘BIOPHILIA’ IS ESSENTIALLY OUR “LOVE OF LIVING THINGS”.
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cientists & psychologists have, since the 1960s, identified the enormous benefits that living with nature confers on us. But it is only now that interior and exterior design and architecture is really starting to celebrate this progressive trend, not only to lessen our environmental impact, but also to enhance our well-being. In 1984 the biologist and double Pulitzer Prize winner, Edward O. Wilson defined the term biophilia as “the innate tendency [in human beings] to focus on life and lifelike process… Our existence depends on this propensity, our spirit is woven from it, hopes rise on its currents.”1 In other words, as humans we love nature, we come from it, are part of it and we respond positively to it. To shield ourselves away from nature is like removing light from our world. The benefits of having a simulation of nature in our working day environment as well as in our homes are huge and as designers we can be inspired by and embrace this trend. In keeping with this trend, 2017 Pantone announced its colour of 4
the year as “Greenery” (15-0343). Their rationale is that it is “a symbolic color selection; a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture... The more submerged people are in modern life, the greater their innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world. This shift is reflected by the proliferation of all things expressive of Greenery in daily lives through urban planning, architecture, lifestyle and design choices globally.” Remember how you feel when you take yourself off into the woods to warm your face as the sunlight streams through the leaves above your head or take a walk by the coast to feel the salt-spray on your lips, listen to seagulls and pick up shells from the beach. These simple pleasures that we sometimes forget about, can transform our mindset, improving stress levels and boost our immune system. It’s not just crazy tree-hugging Southern-Californian theory, it is backed up by science. In fact, it has been proven that windows looking
out to plants and trees can help speed up healing and are increasingly featured in the design of new hospitals. If cutting a window in an interior wall isn’t doable, then install a view onto the natural world. We developed our biophilic range of fine art so it can support this movement and help improve lives of workers, patients, families. Our ARGENTA is water- and fireproof and can go anywhere, from surgery to recovery room, board room to nursery, wet-room to a living wall. A biophilic environment enhances our lives and uplifts our mindset, helping us focus, it fortifies our immune and emotional systems on a neural level and for those of us who are in bad shape, it can boost our well-being including the “neuro‑endocryne and immunological system.”2 [1] Wilson, Edward O. (1984). Biophilia. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. ISBN 0-674-07442-4. [2] Caperna A., Serafini S. (2015). Biourbanism as new epistemological perspective between Science, Design and Nature. In Architecture & Sustainability: Critical Perspectives. “Generating sustainability concepts from an architectural perspective”, KU Leuven – Faculty of Engineering, Belgium). ISBN 9789462920880.
The Importance of Nature
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The magnificence of nature
THE MAGNIFICENCE OF NATURE
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252 She sleeps
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The magnificence of nature
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275 Sunrise
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244 Ice blue
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The magnificence of nature
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402 Promised Land
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The magnificence of nature
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406 Fire sunrise
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The magnificence of nature
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519 Awakening
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286 She breathes
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404 Sunrise
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138 Water Rush
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The magnificence of nature
137 Dettifoss Waterfall, Iceland
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236 Until the end of time
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251 Primitive
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405 And the sun rose
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The magnificence of nature
175 Peach Sunset
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Wild Hills and Water
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250 The world on fire
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Wild Hills and Water
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241 Retreat
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Wild Hills and Water
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392 Silent Hills
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389 Into the mystic
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390 Ahead of me
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298 Solitude
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390 Leave me
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268 Time to be
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504 Standing still
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273 The swell
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113 Beach combing
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403 Early morning
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290 Wild and free
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503 Still waters
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144 Dreaming
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mighty dunes
MIGHTY DUNES
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506 Taking a walk
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mighty dunes
507 Permanence
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508 Time immemorial
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mighty dunes
509 Forever
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510 Lose yourself
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mighty dunes
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511 Where am I?
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mighty dunes
512 Escape route
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monochrome
MONOCHROME
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141 Free flow
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monochrome
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274 The spirit of adventure
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monochrome
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242 Stillness
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monochrome
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521 The journey
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monochrome
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522 I can feel the earth breathe
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monochrome
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525 Our journey has begun
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monochrome
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526 Brushstrokes
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monochrome
527 Escaping
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399 Silence
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monochrome
401 We move on
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139 Fresh water
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monochrome
140 Flowing free
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Sakura japan
SAKURA JAPAN MORGAN FISHER COLLECTION 93
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601 Shizen 1
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602 Shizen 2
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603 Shizen 3
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604 Shizen 4
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605 Shizen 5
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606 Shizen 6
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607 Shizen 7
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610 Shizen 10
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80 Water droplets
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611 Hidden secrets
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612 Life on earth
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109 Zen light
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the secret life of trees
THE SECRET LIFE OF TREES
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711 Feel the air
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712 Walk this way
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713 Come with me
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714 Hidden mystery
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715 Breathe free
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716 Secret paths
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717 Sunlight
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720 The secret life of trees
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the secret life of trees
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721 Moving light
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722 It's always beatuiful
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723 Space to breathe
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724 Look up
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725 My haven
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726 Share your time with me
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727 Feel my arms around you
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728 Take your own path
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technical specification
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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technical specification
Technical specification
Printing method We use a process called ‘dye sublimation’ to produce our artwork on slimline aluminium with either a high gloss or matte finish. These 1.2mm thin metal prints have an intense depth and colour intensity that is comparable to that of traditional Cibachrome prints or photographs produced using Kodak Kodachrome or Fujifilm Velvia colour-reversal or transparency films. In addition our prints are also archival, waterproof, fire resistant, chemical resistant, abrasion resistant. The term ‘sublimation’ describes the transition of a substance (in this case, the special inks) directly from the solid to the gas phase without becoming a liquid first. The 8 dye sublimation inks used for the production of the images consist of a solid and heat intensive dye. Images are first printed as a Giclee print using these inks, on to transfer paper, which is then applied to a specially coated 1.2mm aluminium panel via a heat press. Using both heat and pressure the dye particles change into a gas, bond with the polymers in the aluminium, and then change back into a solid state; fusing the image and aluminium together.
Material – Aluminium Meets Class B flame spread index 75 or less and smoke developed index 450 or less Hoffman Scratch Tester result of 1800 Thickness: 1.2mm Sheet Weight: 8.6kg max Vibrant image reproduction Exceptional detail and colour resolution 3D depth of image Fade resistant Will not yellow with age Stain resistant Scratch and abrasion resistant Chemical and ammonia resistant Moisture resistant 100% recyclable Fused directly onto coated aluminium
Care of your ARGENTA Each ARGENTA is water-proof, fireresistant, offers unprecendent resistance to surfcace abrasion, high humidity, water, and are more stable and longer lasting that other silver halide papers including UV-absorbing acrylic or glass. Each ARGENTA is also water resistant, so you can also submerge your print, put it behind waterfalls, install in shower rooms, in high humidity areas such as spas and bathrooms, or incorporate your ARGENTA into your garden or landscape design. It is also grease and fire-proof you can put it right behind your cooker as well. You just wipe it clean with your normal household cleaner. Contact us for more information design@argentafineart.com www.argentafineart.com
Sizes – We prepare your image ready for printing to the size you wish and then fuse it onto archival, water proof, fire, abrasion resistant ARGENTA. Standard sizes A3, A2, A1, A0, 1500mm x 1000mm, 1750mm x 1000mm, and each can be cut and shaped to size and framed or float mounted on your wall. Prices – Contact us for our prices and to ask about our Signature Commissions
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signature collection
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The ARGENTA Signature Collection
THE ARGENTA SIGNATURE COLLECTION
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s well as our curated collection, we also offer a personalised service, where we shoot bespoke for clients. Your world is unique to you, and with ARGENTA you have the opportunity to commission timeless, longlasting art work for your walls and surfaces, inside and out. Each image is printed using ‘dye sublimation’ to fuse the image onto aluminium which is not only highly attractive it is also durable, washable, fire-retardant, waterproof and scratch resistant. The strength and beauty of the reflective metal surface of ARGENTA fuses light, brilliance and energy with exquisite imagery to awaken fresh perspective and creativity. Retail – Leisure – Kitchen and Bathrooms – Healthcare – Hospitality – Offices – Residential – Garden rooms – Yachts – Playrooms – Restaurants – Casinos – Spas Our creative director is international commercial photographer, curator, judge, agent and artist Vanessa Champion. She takes your brief and works with you and our team to create customised individual works for interior and exterior surface decoration and wall art. EVERY PIECE OF SIGNATURE ARGENTA IS HAND-ETCHED ON THE BACK.
Contact us to find out more about commissioning our photographers and artists to create bespoke imagery for you. creative@argentafineart.com www.argentafineart.com
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OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS VANESSA CHAMPION Ness is our Director and lead creative. You work with her on bespoke projects. Formerly an academic, specialising in Greek, Latin, Epigraphy and Art History, she lectured and spent time working on projects at the British Museum and abroad. While completing her PhD she began picking up contracts for photography, journalism and marketing. She set up her own agency, Dragonfly Communications creatively directing marketing collateral and writing for blue-chip financial houses including AXA, PWC, Lloyds, etc as well as the BBC and ITV, moving on to become editorial director of a London newspaper with a 50k distribution around the city. She is also a published translator. Always a patron of the arts, Ness was in a fortunate position to establish a gallery and art
space in Cambridgeshire, alongside chairing two regional arts charities and trustee of others, she now also curates installations and exhibitions and is a judge on art prizes. A published commercial portrait and fine art photographer, her own portfolio includes Rolls Royce, Corrigans Mayfair, Philips, Royal Opera House and many private individual collectors and clients. She is also founder of PhotoAid Global Foundation which ARGENTA supports. Nicknamed the ‘whirlwind’ by famed sports artist Paul Trevillion, and not one to sit still, she is your main point of contact to discuss our collection and is happy to come to you, meet in London or fly to you wherever you are in the world.
Professional photographer, videographer and qualified drone pilot, David seems to be constantly on the move, usually in a plane to some far flung corner of the globe. His first passion was Marine Biology, due to a love of the ocean garnered at a young age. Moving in to photography he carved a niche as an accomplished photographer and photo tutor. Eschewing the old adage that those that can do and those that can’t teach, David both does and teaches. Despite being in high demand as a photographer and filmmaker, David’s down-to-earth easy-going style means you’re just as likely to find him teaching beginners and professionals alike how to improve their photography and make the most of their cameras.
A self-confessed Canon geek, David is also a member of the SanDisk Extreme Team, a Manfrotto, Gitzo and Lastolite Ambassador and a Koy Lab Ambassador. This only adds to his travel, as he potters across the globe capturing beauty wherever he finds it and giving workshops to those with a thirst for knowledge. David’s collection of images are captured in every corner of the world and encompasses an incredibly diverse range of subjects. He is happy to jump on a plane to re-capture a special moment or create a stunning piece of ARGENTA just for you and his wanderlust is matched only by his exceptional talent behind the camera.
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Our photographers
MORGAN FISHER Upon leaving high school, Morgan Fisher immediately began an international life as a musician. Artists he has played with include The Love Affair (#1 hit in 1968), Mott the Hoople (produced by David Bowie), Queen, and Yoko Ono. These days he may equally be found composing TV and film music, or playing meditation music in a Zen temple. All his life Morgan has pursued photography as an art, as well as documenting his musical life using both still and movie cameras. Since moving to Japan in 1985 he has specialised in and refined his own style of abstract photography, a kind of visual music, or “light painting” involving spontaneous, free movement of the camera and/or the light source. Created with high-end digital
equipment, his light paintings display a depth and subtlety more akin to painting than photography, and have been featured in international exhibitions and publications such as Hasselblad’s de-luxe “Victor” magazine. He also brings a surreal approach to his photographs of the uniquely beautiful nature in his chosen country: “Every April since I moved to Japan, I have enjoyed the sakura (cherry blossom) season, when entire cities turn pink and thousands of people picnic happily under the beautiful, cloud-like cherry trees. I never tire of finding new ways to photograph these delicate blooms: they are the poetic essence and the timeless heart of Japan.” Contact us for a catalogue of just Morgan's work
ADRIAAN VAN HEERDEN Adriaan is an award-winning fine art photographer with a particular passion for wildlife, travel and landscapes. Growing up in rural South Africa, a love of nature was instilled in him from an early age through his father, a former professor of zoology, and regular trips to iconic wildlife reserves such as the Kruger National Park, Etosha National Park and the Addo Elephant Park. However, it wasn’t until after he had completed a PhD in Philosophy at Cambridge University that he discovered a compelling passion for photographing the natural world and our place within it. His work conveys something of the thrill of encountering nature in all its wild beauty, although it also contains a strong awareness of the fragility of life on earth.
Adriaan loves nothing more than getting up at the crack of dawn for an early morning game drive in an African nature reserve, soaking up the atmosphere of a misty canal in Venice, or being in the right place when the sun rises over the Santa Fe Mountains in New Mexico. His subjects range from the humble spider to the majestic elephant, and – depending on the picture – he processes in either colour or monochrome to emphasise the poetic quality in the image. Adriaan’s work has been exhibited all over the world, from London to Kyoto to Barcelona, and is held in private collections in the UK, the USA and South Africa.
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how to order
HOW TO ORDER
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how to order
HOW TO ORDER
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ach ARGENTA fine art image is printed on white coated aluminium panels which offer true colour reproduction without any colour distortion. Or for a metallic finish, we recommend printing direct to the metal which uses a transparent coating that allows the reflective qualities of the aluminium panels to shine through the lighter areas of the artwork. Both options are available in either a high gloss or a matte finish. We can tessellate a collection to cover an entire wall, install in wet rooms, gardens, spas, hospitals, hotels not just here in the UK but anywhere in the world. They can also be precision cut to almost any shape you wish.
All our prints come in six main sizes A3 (297mm x 420mm) A2 (297mm x 594mm) A1 (594mm x 841mm) A0 (840mm x 1189mm) 60” x 40” (1500mm x 1000mm) 70” x 40” (1750 x 1000mm Morgan Fisher’s Sakura range comes in the same lengths. You can order an A4 sample from us at cost price if you would like to show a client or your family before you order your main print. Just let us know which image you would like and we will do the rest for you.
We supply each ARGENTA with an aluminium sub-frame – making it easy to hang and providing additional rigidity and support against warping. This sub-frame also provides a visible space between the mounted work and the wall, giving a 3 dimensional ‘floating’ presence with a modern drop shadow beneath. Some of our clients like to see their ARGENTA in frames, which we have a range of, but our most popular are our elegant Keyline and Tray framing services which offers a glassless framing option. We can also offer an extensive range of exhibition quality mouldings, and are able to create bespoke frames in a diverse range of finishes as well. We can install your ARGENTA in position for you as well. Contact us for more information design@argentafineart.com www.argentafineart.com
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Contact us + 44 7747 025361 design@argentafineart.com www.argentafine.com
BRINGING NATURE TO YOU
ALL IMAGES STRICTLY © THE ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHERS / ARGENTA FINE ART. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
COMMISSIONED AND EXCLUSIVE IMAGERY FOR HOTELS, YACHTS, BEDROOMS, WETROOMS, BRANDING AGENCIES, GARDENS, OFFICES, HOSPITALS, HEALTH CENTRES, LEISURE CENTRES, RETAIL, RESTAURANTS, BARS, SPAS, FINE ART COLLECTORS