These Are Not Photographs

Zaria Forman brings to light environmental issues by using her art as a medium. Inspired by family travels that brought her to the remotest areas of the world, she developed a penchant for recreating the minutest detail of liquid landscapes. With “Chasing Light,” Forman led an expedition to Greenland and using nothing but her fingers to blend and merge colors, she recreated icebergs in large-scale pastel drawings. Her next project brought her to Maldives to raise awareness about a country that could be swept away in the next century. The experience gave her an opportunity to invite the Maldivans to document their ever changing environment and led her to create a series of hyperrealistic drawings of sparkling, rippling waters around the fragile island. According to Forman, “I believe art can facilitate a deeper understanding of crises, helping us find meaning and optimism amidst shifting landscapes.”

To witness other amazing works of hyperrealistic techniques, check out Ruddy Taveras‘ hyperrealistic paintings of everyday items or Jono Dry’s pencil drawings.