A Vision Beneath the Waves
Alex Sher’s artistic journey is as fluid and immersive as the environments in which he works. Internationally recognized for his striking underwater fine art photography, he has redefined the boundaries between photography, painting, and digital artistry. His images, often mistaken for abstract paintings, challenge perceptions of reality, blending the natural elegance of the human form with the surreal distortions of water. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1962, Sher relocated to the United States in 1995, where his career underwent a radical transformation. Initially experimenting with photography in the early 1990s, he eventually found his true medium beneath the water’s surface, crafting a distinct visual language that celebrates feminine sensuality and the interplay of light and motion.
Sher’s work began to gain widespread attention in 2015, propelling him onto the international art stage. His evocative underwater compositions have been showcased in prestigious exhibitions across Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, including two landmark presentations at the Louvre Museum—in 2016 and again in 2023. His first solo exhibition at Bruce Lurie Gallery in Los Angeles in 2016 solidified his reputation, leading to a series of exclusive shows and participation in prominent art fairs worldwide. His photographs have been featured in over 70 magazine articles across 12 countries, reinforcing his influence in contemporary fine art photography. Through his evolving artistic explorations, he continues to push the limits of visual storytelling, fusing figurative and abstract elements to create compositions that resonate with both depth and emotion.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Sher is also an innovator and mentor in underwater photography. Recognizing the physical and technical challenges of working beneath the surface, he has developed specialized techniques to guide both aspiring photographers and models in mastering the intricacies of underwater artistry. His expertise led him to publish a book on underwater modeling, offering insights into the delicate balance between movement, breath control, and composition. His commitment to sharing knowledge underscores his passion for the craft, ensuring that the secrets of his mesmerizing imagery can inspire a new generation of artists.
Alex Sher: The Photographer Who Makes Life Beautiful
Sher’s fascination with photography can be traced back to a childhood story, passed down by his grandmother, about a mysterious photographer with an almost magical ability to capture beauty. Growing up listening to tales of this unnamed artist, who perished during the Holocaust, Sher became captivated by the transformative power of the camera. This deep-seated admiration set the foundation for his own artistic aspirations—he wanted to be the photographer whose images could reveal an unseen, almost mythical elegance in his subjects. His career has been shaped by this early inspiration, leading him to explore the endless ways light, water, and perspective can alter reality.
His journey as an artist has been one of constant evolution. Over the years, he has traveled extensively, refining his craft while capturing breathtaking moments from around the world. Though his work has transitioned toward underwater fine art, the essence of his early inspirations remains intact—the pursuit of beauty in its purest and most enigmatic form. His subjects appear weightless, their movements enhanced by the fluidity of water, creating a dreamlike quality that defies the static nature of traditional portraiture. By manipulating reflections on the water’s surface, Sher transforms his images into intricate compositions that blur the line between reality and illusion.
Sher’s ability to make life appear beautiful through his lens has earned him comparisons to great visual artists. Influenced by Picasso, Dalí, Klimt, Van Gogh, Goya, and Munch, he incorporates elements of surrealism, expressionism, and classical portraiture into his work. His photographs are not mere representations; they are visual poetry, evoking emotion through texture, contrast, and composition. Whether capturing the natural elegance of a human figure or experimenting with abstract distortions, Sher’s images challenge viewers to see the world through a lens of wonder and imagination.
Transforming Water into Art
Sher’s artistic style is defined by his unique approach to underwater photography, where reflections and distortions become essential components of his compositions. While his earlier work focused on figurative photography, his recent explorations venture into abstraction without losing sight of his central theme—the beauty of the human body. By using water as both a medium and a subject, he creates images that appear simultaneously organic and otherworldly. The rippling distortions on the water’s surface act as a natural brushstroke, turning his photographs into ethereal visions that often resemble painted canvases.
His creative process requires not only technical expertise but also an acute understanding of the physical demands placed on his models. Unlike traditional photography, where subjects remain stationary, underwater photography demands endurance, breath control, and an intuitive grasp of movement. Sher acknowledges that while his work as a photographer is challenging, the role of the model is even more demanding. To support them, he has developed specialized coaching techniques, offering guidance on posture, breathwork, and expression to achieve the fluid grace captured in his images. His dedication to mastering this art form has led him to become one of the foremost experts in underwater fine art photography.
One of the most significant turning points in his artistic evolution occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown when he created Surprise, the first image in his Reflections series. While editing the photograph at home, he noticed that the way the water distorted the subject’s reflection gave the image the appearance of a painting. This realization marked a new direction in his work, leading him to further explore how reflections could be manipulated to enhance the visual impact of his photographs. By deliberately removing parts of the image, he amplified its painterly qualities, cementing his transition into a more abstract style.
Alex Sher: A Vision for the Future
Sher’s artistry is not confined to the images he creates; it extends into his vision for the future of underwater fine art photography. With a deep passion for pushing creative boundaries, he continually seeks new ways to refine his techniques and expand his artistic vocabulary. His next major project involves publishing a book dedicated to his Reflections series, where he will document the evolution of his abstract underwater compositions. This endeavor will not only showcase his most compelling work but also provide insight into the creative and technical processes behind his distinctive style.
While his primary medium remains photography, Sher has also explored oil painting, further demonstrating his versatility as an artist. However, it is in the underwater realm where he has truly found his artistic voice. His ability to manipulate water’s natural distortions into intentional compositions allows him to create works that transcend the traditional boundaries of photography. His images exist in a space between realism and fantasy, offering viewers a glimpse into a world that is both familiar and surreal. This ability to challenge visual perception has positioned him as a pioneer in the field, redefining what is possible within the medium.
Sher’s work continues to be celebrated in exhibitions around the world, with recent showings at Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, Roth & Taylor Gallery in Los Angeles, and Art3f in Luxembourg. His photographs have graced the covers of numerous international magazines, further solidifying his influence in contemporary fine art. As he embarks on his next creative endeavors, his legacy as an artist who transforms water into art remains undeniable. Through his lens, the ephemeral beauty of the human form is immortalized, inviting audiences to experience photography in an entirely new way.
More Sher’s photographs at: https://alexshergallery.com
