Soapbubble Studies // Istria Sunsets VI Photograph - Limited Edition of 15

Marlies Plank is a renowned contemporary artist from Austria, whose works represent a unique fusion of color, form, and emotion. Born in Vienna, she discovered her passion for photography at an early age. Marlies Plank's art stands out for her ability to blend abstract elements with figurative aspects. In her creations, the boundaries between reality and imagination are blurred, leading the viewer into a captivating world of expressions. Marlies Plank had the unique opportunity to collaborate with the prestigious fashion house Maison Valentino. Her artworks were featured as the main element in the designer collections of 2014 and 2015, celebrating the connection between fashion and art. Her works can be found in prestigious galleries and art collections around the world. Marlies Plank has enthralled a multitude of art enthusiasts and critics, continually captivating people's hearts with her unique artistic vision. Her long-term photography project, "Soapbubble Studies," has been in progress since 2010 and has become a significant milestone in her career. In this project, Marlies Plank captures giant soap bubbles floating through idyllic landscapes. The combination of majestic natural settings and the surreal elements of the floating soap bubbles creates a unique aesthetic, inviting the viewer to immerse into a world of fantasy. In the "Dream On" series, Marlies Plank takes us on a journey into a world full of surreal wonders and fantastic visions. The series depicts pink elephants in various epochs and within works of old master paintings. However, the inspiration behind these works goes deeper than the colors and forms the eye can perceive. The idea for the "Dream On" series originated from an unusual situation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria. When the Austrian government declared that a baby elephant would serve as a unit of measurement for the distance people were supposed to keep, Marlies Plank was fascinated by this whimsical concept. This absurd everyday measure helped her cope with the challenges of the pandemic and find a way to view reality through the lens of creativity. Over time, the artist began to perceive pink baby elephants in her surroundings, becoming a symbol of hope, comfort, and magic in uncertain times. Fondly called "Dream Elephants," they accompanied her through dark days, connecting her to her childhood imagination and creativity.