UPY 2025

UPY  Portrait - Highly Commended
'Apsu'
Claudia Legge

I wanted to create an image to represent the myth of Apsu; ancient god of water. I find the reflections created by shooting upwards in the water so inspiring, I love what happens to colours and forms underwater and the way the surface becomes a mirror. It took a very long time getting the image I was after; something serene and abstract yet potent with femininity. I made this picture to encapsulate a sense of nothing, emerging into something. The world, absent of form, space and sound but for the waters, calm and serene. The myth evokes the thrill of water in its purest form, obviating all around it, encapsulating the body and calming the mind.

Judge's comment: The colours, textures and composition of this image draw you in, captivating you further on each viewing. The mouth and chin anchor the composition freeing us to explore the rest of this dream-like frame.
- Alex Mustard