Dr. Martín Raskovsky

MartĂ­n Raskovsky The Wonders of Photographic Avant-Garde Art

International Confederation of Art Critics

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Dr. Martín Raskovsky

Front cover: “Moonlight Phantoms” by Dr. Martín Raskovsky Digital Manipulated Photograph - 2014 Series

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MartĂ­n Raskovsky

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

ICAC

International Confederation of Art Critics

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MartĂ­n Raskovsky The Wonders of Photographic Avant-Garde Art

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

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Contents

The Artist

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‘Evocative Subliminal Panoramas’

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Elena Foschi, Art Historian

‘The Vibrancy of the Perfect Shot’

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‘The Dynamic of Pioneering Creativity’

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Critical Review

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Artwork Analysis

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Exhibitions

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List of Works

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Christopher Rosewood, International Confederation of Art Critics

Timothy Warrington, International Confederation of Art Critics

Karen Lappon, International Confederation of Art Critics

Mia Carey Cupic, International Confederation of Art Critics

Edited by the International Confederation of Art Critics

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

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“In Dr. Martín R askovsky’s creations, photo graphy is elevated to a means of pure and fierce creative expression.

He shows us, through his lens and mind’s eye, a realit y that goes beyond the boundaries of dreams.”

Timothy Warrington International Confederation of Art Critics

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Dr. Martín Raskovsky

Dr. Martín Raskovsky

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The Artist

Since early childhood, photography has been in Martín Raskovsky’s heart. From the early days in a darkroom built in the bathroom of his parent’s home to the present days of digital manipulation, Martín’s work has always been characterised by imagination, surrealism and impressionism.

Dr. Raskovsky’s photographs are routinely mistaken for paintings due to their expressive nature and he is known to sleep with a photographic camera at his bedside, ready to capture and interpret dreams, using the camera as a paintbrush to express his subconscious thoughts.

Dr. Raskovsky is a computer scientist by profession who previously refused to share his art and 2016 saw the debut of his work presented to the public in the Brick Lane Gallery, London. Dr. Raskovsky has since received a surge in exposure resulting in numerous exhibitions including being selected for the London Art Biennale 2017.

Education: • • • •

First Class Honours in Computing Science; Philosophy Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Computing Science; Lecturer at Essex University Research Fellow at Oxford University.

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

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Critique

Evocative Subliminal Panoramas Elena Foschi Art Historian

Dr. Martín Raskovsky takes nature photography through a thought provoking journey into a visionary and surreal universe of passion and expression. The viewer is enraptured by shots of exceptional intensity in which imaginative elements become the indubitable protagonists of Dr. Raskovsky’s limitless horizons.

Manipulated contours, strong hues and enhanced contrasts immediately allow the eye of the spectator to traverse the infinite imagination of this ingenious artist.

Albeit through a unique creative process, Dr. Raskovsky is a digital magician that mirrors the Impressionist Masters by sharing an intimate appreciation and interpretation of observable reality. Similarly but distinctly, Dr. Raskovsky captures a corner of the universe, freezing it with a camera, to then reinterpret the phenomenon via certain facets of his soul, pouring his innermost and sincere emotions on “canvas”.

Thus, the photographic equipment is used as the most gentle brush, outlining the boundaries of an extraordinary and gripping visual experience. Every inch of Dr. Raskovsky’s pictures draw us into a fascinating juxtaposition of art history and avant-garde vision, in a new form of expression in which we see the artist’s passion perforating the depths of our consciousness.

Weaved Woods II Digital Manipulated Photograph 2015 Series

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

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Critique

Evocative Subliminal Panoramas

Dr. Raskovsky’s perspective uniquely enriches the majestic panorama perceived through the lens, immortalising hidden corners within unspoiled landscapes and lush vegetation.

Thereupon, he opens up his boundless creativity, adding his soul to the perfect shots.

Breathing new life to his surroundings, Dr. Raskovsky catapults the spectator into a stimulating world made of primordial spectres and allegorical visions. The extraordinary aspect lies in the contrast between the rigorousness of the camera lens’ systematic method and the uncontrollable vibrant artistry of the consequent image manipulation.

Only analysing the process in its complex entirety the observer can really perceive the mastery in Dr. Raskovsky’s touch. De facto, this artist is able to legitimise the artistic essence of a digital transformation process - adorning and enriching the innovative aspects of his subjects. Shaping an artwork using software is genuine as using a chisel to carve a pure block of marble: the transmuting approach invariably germinates and emanates from the ardent creativity of a cognitive mind.

A computer program grants you the tools, but it cannot encourage one’s peculiar inspirations, enthusiasm, impulse and vision. Nevertheless, an artist shall be considered worthy if he stimulates the spectator, intensifying his perceptions and sensations towards the artistic concept.

Mermaid Digital Manipulated Photograph Female Series

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Dr. Martín Raskovsky

Deatil of “Pampas Cyan”, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

Along these lines, Martín Dr. Raskovsky moves the viewer, manifesting a fervid imagination and translating his perception of the world into a brand-new language, altering the coordinates of truth and reality.

Dr. Raskovsky twists conventions, transforming photography into a forefront artistic style which astonishes and enchants the observer. This is precisely what photography achieved when it was first invented in the mid 1800s, eclipsing painting in the capture of reality. Albeit an artificial vision, the digital enhancement can electrify our entire aesthetic experience. Thus, Dr. Martín Raskovsky’s axioms become our truths and all his philosophies, prejudices and intentions are shared in the parallel universe that arises in the narrow line between his stimuli and our response.

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Dr. Raskovsky’s artworks ensnare the viewer in a maze of fluid dreamlike scenarios and unfathomable metaphorical rebus. Surreal landscapes and mythological references are intertwined in an eternal and engaging subversion of space-time logic and conscious hallucination.

The sensual female figures appear as divine creatures that echo Botticelli’s most exquisite goddesses emerging from the immaculate and primeval Nature. Reminding us of the technical mastery that turned the classic “Canon of Beauty” into a pillar for art history. Furthermore, the ceaseless metamorphosis between reality and dream, balance and precariousness, nature and mankind transform Dr. Raskovsky’s conceptions into mystical enigmas and authentic masterpieces.

Elena Foschi Art Historian

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

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Syncing Hands (with detail) Digital Manipulated Photograph Magical Series

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

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Above: Yin Yang Love Digital Manipulated Photograph Magical Series

Opposite: Seashore Bliss Digital Manipulated Photograph Magical Series

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky Emerging Bliss (with detail) Digital Manipulated Photograph Female Series

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Cave Dream (with detail) Digital Manipulated Photograph Female Series

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

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Critique

The Vibrancy of the Perfect Shot Christopher Rosewood International Confederation of Art Critics

Dr. Martín Raskovsky is an eclectic artist with an incomparable and complex aesthetic touch. Dr. Raskovsky’s visionary journey and passion for photography was born very early and followed a stimulating and remarkable evolution that has resulted in thought provoking, intellectual and deeply evocative works of art.

Encountering Dr. Raskovsky’s expressive and captivating creations, the viewer is stimulated by a strong sense of movement, innate harmony and intense mystery that forces one to pause, observe and reflect. The spectator will take time to explore the rich, complex albeit exquisitely graceful compositions with a sense of enjoyable curiosity.

The enthralling flows and meanders of energy soon begin to penetrate the mind of the admirer as the elements start to blend with the surreal aura of the backgrounds. Finally, one slowly perceives the authentic source of the final artwork: a perfect photograph. The camera is used as a sacred and basic tool to catch the latent and fierce beauty of a specific instant.

Every individual trace of majesty and grace is captured

by Dr. Raskovsky, to then be given new life. We witness a conception of dramatic artistry that roots in science, nature the subconscious mind of the artist.

Motionless images are transformed into works of art made of a versatile and energetic elegance that recall graceful watercolours or fluid oils with the communicative power of a great expressionist.

Pond Stream Digital Manipulated Photograph 2016 Series

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

Family Logs II Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

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Playful Scenario Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

Bristol Suspension Bridge I Digital Manipulated Photograph Bristol Series

Bristol Suspension Bridge III Digital Manipulated Photograph Bristol Series

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Opposite: Las Palmeras III Digital Manipulated Photograph Rain Series

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

Mother Earth (with detail) Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

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“As I focus on the post processing of my photographs, my imagination and dreams become part of the canvas, it is a very creative act akin to painting and drawing.”

Dr. Martín Raskovsky

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Dr. Martín Raskovsky

“Following a First Class Honours degree in Computing Science, Martín obtained a Ph.D., became a Research Fellow at Oxford University and lectured at Essex University. An astounding career that allowed him to “see the ‘obvious’ that others cannot” and translate it into revolutionary art. Therefore, Dr. Martín allows us to view something that we cannot often perceive: the artistic possibilities enclosed in reality. Dr. Martín opens our eyes to new horizons, offering the marvellous world that his creative mind conceives in the observation of his surroundings. Starting from a freeze-frame, Dr. Martín elaborates his photography, turning it into the very substance of his inner thoughts.”

Elena Foschi, 2016 “Dr. Martín Raskovsky: A New Interpretation of Reality”.

Art News Report

Lake View Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

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Critique

The Dynamic of Pioneering Creativity Timothy Warrington International Confederation of Art Critics

Capturing a glance of firmament or a fleeting instant is the essential burden of any photographer. Dr. Martín Raskovsky is an uncommonly talented artist who works with a camera - virtuoso in his interpretation of the moment and skilled at provoking an intense reaction in the spectator. Just as a poet enhances his verses with metaphors, allegories and adjectives, Dr. Martín Raskovsky magnifies his pictures with digital techniques dissolving the contrasts and smoothing the edges.

While writers communicate through the language of words, this brilliant artist reveals his artistic soul using a language made of reflections and light.

Dr. Martín Raskovsky is an artist that fully reflects the dynamics of avant-garde evolution and has a clear outlook on the future of contemporary art. He is experimenting on digital art with enthusiastic creative passion and strong intuition related to the unpredictable possibilities of static software.

Dr. Martín Raskovsky’s use of composition and perspective is wonderfully engaging as he juxtaposes different levels of interpretation, exemplifying the two pillars of photographic art: the genuine spatial dimension and the individual inclination of the reporter.

Cafe de Paris Digital Manipulated Photograph 2017 Series

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

Palmeras Coast II (with detail) Digital Manipulated Photograph Rain Series

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Critique

The Dynamic of Pioneering Creativity This enthralling combination clearly absorbs the viewer and invites him to distinguish which of the two realities is the most significant and touching. Time and space reverse themselves, as side effects of a collateral beauty rooted in each tree branch, sunbeam or drop of seawater. Exceptional depth is given to the remote shadows over and above what the eye can see.

The observer encounters a composition of exceptional intensity in which the central elements of nature are enriched by the delicate presence of meditative figures, vague in their loneliness. In fact, photographic art has found a new direction with Dr. Raskovsky’s cutting-edge touch. He deciphers the world as if it were an open book, donating exceptional alterations of each captured shot to the enchanted spectator. After all, he intentionally leaves something unsaid, mysteriously hiding the inconfessable truth behind an innovative projection at the future of art.

Timothy Warrington International Confederation of Art Critics

Olori Oil on canvas - 36 x 30 inches

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

Lava View Digital Manipulated Photograph Magical Series

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Sea Motorbike - Piriapolis Digital Manipulated Photograph Magical Series

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

Wave Embrace Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

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Lightening III Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

“My current interest is in the post capture creative process.

It is a search for colours and forms that emanate from my inside, often completely unrelated to the original subject. [...] My creative journey is from photographic camera image to canvas."

Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

Magical Pond II Digital Manipulated Photograph Magical Series

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Critique Dr. Martín Raskovsky portrays terrific wreckages of ancient civilisations in a dystopian and post-apocalyptic scenario; twilit forests that recall the noble epic novels of the Celtic tradition; primordial surroundings which have escaped the imprint of modern society and its devastations. Within these disquieting and sublime atmospheres, this artist discovers a delicate gem of beauty, a subtle human presence and an underlying sense of hope.

The fateful environment is magnified by an isolated animal, a whirlwind or a remote light between the shadows. The innovative conclusion of Dr. Raskovsky’s compositions disorient and charm, attract and perturb simultaneously, leading the viewer into a contrasting but stimulating journey. Dr. Raskovsky conveys a consuming passion for remote splendors of an untouched earth that feels forgotten, inviting viewers to contemplate and open their eyes to their surroundings with a new motive and perspective.

Universal are the elements ​​that immediately capture the viewer, seduced by the curved and wild lines that become the sublime hallmark of Dr. Raskovsky’s touch.

The rediscovery of a pure and archaic cosmo arises from the urgency to reconcile a paradise lost with a fleeting reminder of mankind’s existence, in a innovative aesthetic appreciation that infuses a modern spirit to images radiating intense beauty.

Karen Lappon International Confederation of Art Critics

Foggy Walk Digital Manipulated Photograph Magical Series

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Northern Sky Digital Manipulated Photograph Magical Series

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The Height of Loneliness Digital Manipulated Photograph Magical Series

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Magical Home Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

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Magical Hill Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

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Lost in Woods Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

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Critique

Artwork Analysis Mia Carey Cupic International Confederation of Art Critics

Dr. Martín Raskovsky’s ‘Lost in the Woods’ portrays an enchanted forest- peaceful and untouched by the commotion of everyday city life. Colossal trees and verdant foliage is divided by a mystical trajectory that meanders through the wood in a spellbinding and intense shade of deep purple.

Captured by this alluring and immersive vista, the spectator feels transported to a spiritual world, where they are being told a story in the language of colour and emotion.

Dr. Raskovsky creates an enticing illusion of depth in this entrancing woodland, which provokes a strong sense of mystery and intrigue. His skilled use of perspective and positioning of the vanishing point makes the pathway appear never ending, with an obscure culmination that suggests a distant uncharted world.

The trail symbolises one’s quest to find sense and logic in a world of chaos and disorder reminding us of the hypnotic words written by Lewis Carroll. The viewer attempts to locate rationality likewise to inquisitive Alice - the unforgettable character who lost herself in Wonderland.

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Bristol - Leonard Lane Digital Manipulated Photograph Bristol Series

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Critique

Artwork Analysis

The ambiguous nature of the evanescent pathway leaves the viewer with ceaseless scope for interpretation. As a result, you are inclined to search within yourself and locate your own deepest desires.

Alternatively, the looming darkness suggests anxiety and calamity, reflecting the surrealists compositions by Salvador Dali, whose complex paintings are notorious for unlocking the inner subconscious. Both Dr. Raskovsky and Dali challenge the viewer, in an attempt to decode its immersive layer of meaning.

The observer imagines a distant land, symbolic of inner aspirations, dreams and fears, positioned in the abyssal corners of one’s mind. Dr. Raskovsky’s skilled artistic experiment transcends the fixed boundaries of veracity.

Often mistaken for paintings, these distorted photographs demonstrate a fierce interplay between perceptible and intangible, deception and truth.

Thus, Dr. Raskovsky, with his brilliant stylistic interpretations, demonstrates that the essence of being is as multifaceted and ready for exploration as the tangible world we stand in.

Mia Carey Cupic International Confederation of Art Critics

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Dr. Martín Raskovsky

“My work is characterised by dreamlike otherworldly natural landscapes. My images are fantasy-like but with a hint of realism that evokes a poetic, tantalising and intriguing response. [...]

I search for colours and forms that emanate from within me. It is an active and creative search process often completely unrelated to the original subject. ” Dr. Martín Raskovsky

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Blue Lagoon Digital Manipulated Photograph 2016 Series

Peace and Tranquillity Digital Manipulated Photograph 2016 Series

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Slim Elegance Digital Manipulated Photograph 2016 Series

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Sky Worship I Digital Manipulated Photograph 2016 Series

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Spider Web (with detail) Digital Manipulated Photograph 2016 Series

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Yellow Carpet Digital Manipulated Photograph 2016 Series

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Wings of Freedom Oil on canvas - 48 x 30 inches

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“Brush in hand, the journey of image transformation is an art form of its own. Colours and shapes are continually transformed until the time when a solution emerges, sometimes with a tremendous Eureka effect, almost orgasmic.”

Dr. Martín Raskovsky

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Dr. MartĂ­n Raskovsky

Earth Slice Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

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Green Roof Digital Manipulated Photograph 2016 Series

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Dr. Martín Raskovsky

Dr. Martín Raskovsky exhibition “My Dreams” Centrespace Gallery in Bristol, UK - July 2016

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Exhibitions

2017 • “London Art Biennale 2017”; Chelsea - London, March • “Oxford International Art Fair”; Oxford Town Hall, February • “Pay and Display”; Open Exhibition; Centrespace Gallery Bristol, February • “Second Look”; Open Exhibition; Hamilton House Gallery Bristol, February 2016 • “The MistletoeBall 2016”; In Aid of Cancer Research UK - The Dorchester Hotel, London, December • “Brick Lane Paint Connection” - Centrespace Gallery - Bristol, September • “My Dreams” - Solo Exhibition; Centrespace Gallery - Bristol, July • “Art in Mind, True Colours”; The Brick Lane Gallery - London, June • “Art in Mind, Revisited”; The Brick Lane Gallery - London, May • “Landscape Rural Vs Urban”; The Brick Lane Gallery - London, February

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Paradisiacal Autumn Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

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List of Works Sea Dream, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Female Series

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Cloud Wildness, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series

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Ship Wreck I, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2015 Series

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Light Sunset, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2016 Series

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Weaved Woods II, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2015 Series

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Mermaid, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Female Series

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Pampas Cyan, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series

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Home Beacon I, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2017 Series

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Syncing Hands, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series

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Seashore Bliss, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series

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Yin Yang Love, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series

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Emerging Bliss, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Female Series

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Cave Dream, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Female Series

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Pond Stream, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2016 Series

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Family Logs II, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Playful Scenario, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Bristol Suspension Bridge I, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Bristol Series

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Bristol Suspension Bridge III, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Bristol Series

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Las Palmeras III, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Rain Series

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Mother Earth, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Lake View, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Cafe de Paris, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2017 Series

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Palmeras Coast II, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Rain Series

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Lava View, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series

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List of Works Sea Motorbike - Piriapolis, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series Wave Embrace, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Lightening III, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Magical Pond II, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series

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Foggy Walk, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series

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Northern Sky, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series

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The Height of Loneliness, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series

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Magical Home, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Magical Hill, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Fire Way I, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Lost in Woods, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Bristol - Leonard Lane, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Bristol Series

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Peace and Tranquillity, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2016 Series

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Blue Lagoon, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2016 Series

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Slim Elegance, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2016 Series

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Sky Worship I, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2016 Series

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Spider Web, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2016 Series Yellow Carpet, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2016 Series

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Las Palmeras II, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Rain Series

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Bubble Dream, Digital Manipulated Photograph, Magical Series

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Earth Slice, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Green Roof, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2016 Series

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Wall Light IV, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2015 Series Paradisiacal Autumn, Digital Manipulated Photograph, 2014 Series

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Edited and published by International Confederation of Art Critics London, 2017 Copyright © 2017 International Confederation of Art Critics Layout by Elena Foschi www.international-confederation-art-critics.org

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Inter nat iona l C onfe derat ion Ar t Cr it ics w w w.inter nat iona l-confe derat ion-ar t-cr it ics.org

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