Four Elements #1 — limited edition underwater fine-art photograph by Alexej Sachov — “Four Elements #1” (2023) - underwater photograph by Alexej Sachov.

Project idea and Meaning of the artwork title

Water in intense motion becomes a mirror for the four classical elements - water, air, earth, flame. Each viewer decides which element resonates now. The work belongs to the artist’s broader exploration of emergence from chaos and the beginnings of life. Shot in 2022 (published 2023).

Artist’s technique

To capture waves while scuba diving, Alexej used macro long exposure with a strobe, shooting just beneath the sea surface in Egypt. No continuous lamp was used. The ~50 cm field is stretched by time so motion draws abstract “signs” directly onto the sensor. Single exposure; no composites.

The story behind

In 2020, Alexej began the panoramic underwater waves project Inside the Wave. From there he kept experimenting with new lenses, long exposures, and strobe while scuba diving in Egypt, testing how motion could turn into form. These trials sparked FOUR ELEMENTS. This piece distills that search, water in motion that reads, for each viewer, as a different element.

Artist’s quote

I let the sea write. In the project, motion turns to sign and you choose which element it speaks.

Learn more about Alexej Sachov, see recent awards and fairs & exhibitions, or explore more works in Abstract.

Available sizes

40 x 30 cm, Edition of 6 plus 2 artist's proofs
80 x 60 cm, Edition of 3 plus 1 artist's proof
120 x 90 cm, Edition of 1

Framing

The artwork is printed on premium Hahnemühle FineArt paper, renowned for its exceptional quality and archival standards. The artwork in size 80x60 are framed in Halbe frames, protected by museum-grade glass to ensure long-lasting brilliance and clarity. Framing for bigger artworks will be discussed upon request.

Each artwork is delivered with two certificates of authenticity. One certificate is affixed to the artwork, while the second, an official Hahnemühle certificate, should be stored separately. Both certificates include matching, numbered holographic stickers.

See framing & certificate details on Instagram.