UNIVERSUM
Mario Botta, is a Napoli born photographer whose unique pieces capture moments, spaces, nature and humans. His niche technique is underwater photography, but he started his career by shooting landscapes. He never uses special effects and instead uses lighting and obscure photographic techniques to create his striking shots.
His previous exhibition, UNDERWORLD, was focussed on his striking underwater shots taken within the Mediterranean Seas of Mykonos.
Part of our Distrito Panamera family, we collaborated with Mario to create the ‘UNIVERSUM’ exhibition. It is a collection of photographs taken all over the world, depicting the connection between each element of our existence. Whether it is land, water or outer space, each image represents the idea that every part of our place on this planet, resides under the same roof that is: the ‘UNIVERSUM.’
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1. Mineral Moon: Shot September 2020, from Naples, Italy. When shot correctly, the moon has some extremely subtle colour differences in the lunar surface soil. This shot captures the subtle rust colours caused by higher levels of titanium in the soil. In order to see these tones, one must tease them out using a stack of photographs taken one after another throughout the night, 80 shots of 600, stacked to mitigate the atmospherical turbulence. Once combined, they produce crisp, detailed images which is how I achieved this photograph. Shot in collaboration with the master Guiseppe Mauriello. 7 copies available. 60 x 90 cm $2700 USD
2. M27. Messier 27, also know as Dumbell Nebula, is a planetary Nebula, located in the constellation Vulpecula, at a distance of about 1360 light years from Earth. The white dwarf at the core has ejected gas in all directions, creating the typical ' knots ' that we can see in many other planetary nebulas. Shot September 2020, in Naples, Italy. In collaboration with Giuseppe Mauriello. 7 copies available. 90 x 60 cm $2700 USD
3: Clara. My dear friend and I experimented with underwater shots in black and white and discovered a cross-territory between the aquatic and cosmic worlds, when the bubbles became stars and the water became the sky. 7 copies available. 60 x 90 cm $3700 USD
4. Blow up. A combination of a splash into the ocean and an outer space explosion. The water emulates a similar texture to that of an exploding star, burning in the atmosphere. Already exhibited at my Mykonos show: “UNDERWORLD.” Only three copies remain. 3 copies available. 3 copies available. 60 x 90 cm $2700 USD
5. Katie. My first and only underwater night shoot to date. We experimented in a swimming pool with coloured light to create an ‘out of this world’ mood: the outcome was alien-like, futuristic and alluring. Shot in Tulum, September 2021. 4 copies available. 60 x 90 cm $3200 USD
6. Illumination in the underworld. The projection of light into the dark water exposes the creatures that exist beneath the surface. Just because you can’t see it, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Shot in Tulum, September 2021. 4 copies available. 60 x 90 cm $3200 USD
7. Darkness to darkness. Entry into the new isn’t always from dark into light, sometimes we have to see the beauty in a new darkness. Shot in Tulum, September 2021. 4 copies available. 60 x 90 cm $3200 USD
8. Cynthia. Entering a new dimension, the combination of warm sunlight on crystal Greek water symbolizes a fierce and powerful entry into a new phase of being. Shot in Mykonos, August 2020. 7 copies available. 60 x 90 cm $2700 USD
9. Chills in slow motion. Shot in Greek waters, this piece depicts the thrill of the unknown. The raised goosebumps on Cynthias skin, combined with soft sunlight entering the water, provides a contrast which represents a shift between universes. Water onto land, land into the air, air into outer space. Outer space into the unknown. Shot in Mykonos, Greece, August 2020. 7 copies available. 60 x 90 cm $2700 USD
10. Acatenango. Captured between volcanoes at 4000 meters high, this image shows the movement of a flame from the campfire. It simulated the smoldering embers that we observed being ejected from the crater. Shot in Guatemala, March 2021. 7 copies available. 60 x 90 cm $2400 USD
11. Silk on skin. The texture of a wet shirt against skin, raw yet enticing: the real beauty of a woman, a living being being. each shape, colour and scent designed wonderfully different, by nature. And placed a part of the Universum. 7 copies available. 60 x 90 cm $3200 USD
12. Profondo. Jay and I switched the surface for the Mediterranean sea bed when shooting in Mykonos. Perfectly suspended in space and time at the bottom of the sea, we created the illusion of being abducted by a force above. Part of the UNDERWORLD series from Mykonos, just two copies remain. Shot in Mykonos, Greece July 2021. 2 copies available. 60 x 90 cm $3700 USD
13. Mount Fitzroy, El Chalten National park. The red hue of the trees was in fact, an effect I created by accident. I left my head torch on whilst taking a 16s long exposure shot in an attempt to capture the iconic Mount Fitzroy at night. Upon closer inspection, you can see the tiny illumination of climbers, camping on the vertical rock face. Shot in Patagonia, Argentina, February 2020. The best gift that the earth could have given me before the pandemic hit. 7 copies available. 90 x 60 cm $2700 USD