The Knight, 2023

Limited edition fine-art print. Series Chronicles of an Emerging Diversity.

The Knight – limited edition underwater fine art photograph by Alexej Sachov
“The Knight” (2023) - underwater photograph by Alexej Sachov.

Project idea

Life in the universe began with chance collisions of particles, and in today’s underwater world, something similar is happening. Artificial life forms are emerging, not from nature but from collisions of waste. The project unites recognizable shapes that evoke powerful symbols.

Meaning of the artwork title

Knights symbolize strength, wisdom, and majesty. This artwork invites our modern knights to self-reflection, reminding us to embody the values of knights: responsibility and wise decision-making.

Artist’s technique

The emergence of this “artificial life” is technically similar to the well-known Big Bang, where the hot, dense early universe began to expand and interact. Underwater, waste is pressed together and left to expand, drift, and collide in the weightlessness of the underwater cosmos. The colliding debris forms shapes, and particles of sand and plankton, reflected in strobe lights, create the illusion of stars.

All plastic is collected during the same scuba dives in which it is photographed underwater and is then removed from the water for proper disposal.

The story behind

While documenting drifting and handling underwater debris, Alexej discovered that the shapes often resembled familiar forms, each bearing symbolic meanings. Inspired by these hidden messages, he began sculpting the debris underwater, using different approaches to emphasize powerful symbols and draw attention to the urgent environmental crisis caused by pollution.

Artist’s quote

“With this artwork, I want to reach decision-makers who are brave enough to be self-critical and take action to make the world better.”

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

International recognitions

Available sizes

  • 30 x 40 cm, Edition of 20 + 2 artist's proofs
  • 60 x 80 cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 artist's proofs
  • 90 x 120 cm, Edition of 3 plus 2 artist's proofs
  • 135 x 180 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 30x40 and 60x80 are elegantly 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.

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