Oil & Water Universe – Alex Meagher
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It’s not always about the gear.
Sometimes it’s the mud, the missed turns, the 4am call times or the conversations that happen in between. The moments behind the shot are often just as powerful as the image itself.
In this series, we speak with photographers from all walks of life about the stories behind their work; the behind-the-scenes chaos, the spontaneous camera rigs held together with tape, the interactions with strangers, and everything that got them there. Sometimes you gotta go out of your way to get the shot.
Oil & Water Universe – Alex Meagher
Meet Alex Meagher, a photographic artist originally from Rotorua, New Zealand, now based in Melbourne, Australia. Alex’s unique vision comes from a spirit of experimentation, often using diverse camera types to create his distinct style. His work has gained recognition, including an exhibition as part of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale with his series “Unfamiliar Wilds” – an ongoing photographic series characterized by its surreal and dreamlike interpretations of natural landscapes. Essentially, “Unfamiliar Wilds” is a series that reimagines the natural world through a distinct infrared lens, inviting viewers to experience landscapes not as they are typically seen, but as vivid, altered realities that challenge perception and ignite imagination. It’s about seeing the familiar, but in a way that makes it utterly unfamiliar.
When outdoor conditions aren’t ideal for his expansive landscape work, Alex brings his creative focus indoors. Oil & Water Universe offers a glimpse into his process of constructing intricate, small-scale worlds. Utilizing his macro lens, a simple setup involving water, cooking oil, and a touch of acrylic ink, he crafts mesmerizing, miniature universes right in his own space.
Observe the captivating interplay of colours and forms as tiny elements expand into complex, abstract landscapes. This demonstration highlights that compelling visual artistry isn’t solely dependent on grand natural scenes, but can be found and created through focused experimentation in unexpected settings. It underscores the idea that sometimes, the most unique photographic opportunities arise from building a distinct world of your own. Watch the video to see how Alex got the shot.
Alex Meagher is a photographic artist originally from Rotorua, Aotearoa now residing in Melbourne, Australia. Self taught, his work has developed through experimentation and persistent shooting utilising a multitude of conventional and non-conventional cameras alike. Most recently Meagher was invited to exhibit his ongoing series “Unfamiliar Wilds” as part of the core program at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale. Through his use of discontinued infrared film, most commonly known as Aerochrome, Meagher’s experimental practice achieves a surrealist quality, subverting natural hues to create rich and vivid scenes. Meagher’s work aims to disconnect the observer from their reality and transport them to a world unrecognisable as their own.
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Get The Shot STORIES read more
It’s not always about the gear.
Sometimes it’s the mud, the missed turns, the 4am call times or the conversations that happen in between. The moments behind the shot are often just as powerful as the image itself.
In this series, we speak with photographers from all walks of life about the stories behind their work; the behind-the-scenes chaos, the spontaneous camera rigs held together with tape, the interactions with strangers, and everything that got them there. Sometimes you gotta go out of your way to get the shot.
